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Therapeutic PATHWAYS uses research-based practices documented
to be effective in more than 300 research studies with young
children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.
The
field of Applied Behavior Analysis has identified many of
the specific teaching and treatment components, which consistently
lead to higher levels of functioning.
Maurice, Green and Luce (1996) have concluded, that while
many questions remain about the treatment of autism spectrum
disorders, current research indicates that:
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Intensive
intervention based upon Applied Behavior Analysis
is the treatment of choice.
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The
treatment must be delivered by therapists with training
in Applied Behavior  Analysis.
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The
therapists must be under the supervision of professionals
who have advanced training and experience in the principles
and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis.
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Similar
conclusions have been drawn by the New York State
Department of Health, Early Intervention Program's Clinical
Practice Guideline Development Panel (1999, Clinical Practice
Guideline, Report of the Recommendations, Autism/Pervasive
Developmental Disorders, Assessment and Intervention for
Young Children). See this report at: www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/eip/menu.htm.
See
also the endorsement of intensive treatment based on Applied
Behavior Analysis by the US Surgeon General at:
www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter3/sec6.html
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The
estimated cost of a 3-year intensive treatment program
for a child diagnosed with autism can range from $200,000
- $300,000. However, this is substantially lower than
the cost of providing basic services to individuals with
autism throughout the lifespan. Jacobson, Mulick &
Green, 1998, have projected significant fiscal savings
from intensive behavior analytic treatment, based on a
range of outcomes with some individuals reaching normal
functioning and some still requiring mild to significant
levels of support services into adulthood.
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The
importance of these projected savings is brought into
context given the cost of purchase of services through
the Department of Developmental Services in California
for one individual diagnosed with autism. The cost of
services provided through Regional Centers for each individual
with autism averages almost $2,000,000 over the lifespan
for that person with autism. The most significant costs
are incurred from age 22 on. Please note that this $2
million figure does not include the cost of the educational
program provided by the public school until age 22, family
resources, etc., In addition, The Department of Developmental
Services own data show that adults with autism require
significantly greater expenditures of resources than do
adults with most other types of developmental disabilities.
(California Department of Developmental Services Fact
Book, 8th edition).
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