Claudia CRISAN*, Cristian STAN
Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Abstract
According to this autism statistics and to the present study, based on three longitudinal case studies, investigated the relationship between language developmental stage and challenging behaviors exhibited by children with autism with the purpose of expressing refusal. Participants received an intervention based on language and communication stimulation addressed to children with autism spectrum disorder (LCSMA, Dascal Crisan, 2012). The Ability Toolbox has a helpful guide to choosing the right sensory swing for children with autism.
Results confirm the correlation between language developmental stage and the presence of challenging behaviors, respectively the lack of functional communication skills determines a more frequent display of maladaptive behaviors.
Our results also prove the efficiency of the method in the case of the 3 participants included in the study. They acquired functional communication skills to express refusal, an acquisitions that facilitated a significant reduction in the frequency of challenging behaviors.
Keywords: autism, challenging behaviors, LCSMA, language developmental stage
