HBO’s ‘Temple Grandin’ told the remarkable story of the bestselling author and groundbreaking agricultural scientist who struggled early in life to learn to cope with autism before the disease was widely known. Last night at the 2010 Emmy Awards the critically acclaimed movie won five awards including outstanding made for TV movie and best actress for Claire Danes who played the lead role. Executive Producer Emily Gerson Saines accepted the award stating she found inspiration in Grandin’s life story as her own child had been diagnosed with autism. Following the award Grandin said backstage “I hope this movie is going to educate a lot of people about autism because there’s a lot of people who don’t understand it. Somebody with autism might be a Silicon Valley genius, and somebody might be handicapped and non-verbal.” The movie spotlights Grandin’s school years, focusing on her relationship with one special science teacher and how she went on to shake up the male-dominated livestock industry by developing a more humane system to slaughter cattle. Indeed Grandin’s story is inspirational. The broadcast of this movie, which was widely perceived in the industry as challenging subject matter, together with the winning  of five Emmy prizes, will surely help spread hope about autism.

The autism community continues to mourn the loss of pioneer Dr. Ivar Lovaas. Realizing that the systematic approach using positive reinforcement could be instrumental in teaching children with autism new skills, Lovaas was one of the first to use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism and in doing so helped numerous children across the globe. The Lovaas Method of ABA starts with “discrete trials teaching” often referred to as DTT. A discrete trial consists of a therapist asking a child to perform a particular behavior. For example, “Timmy, please hand me the puzzle piece.” If the child complies, he is given a “reinforcer” which is usually a desired prize or reward that is meaningful to the child. This could be a food treat, a high five, earning play time, or anything else that has meaning for the child. If the child does not comply, he does not receive the reward, and the trial is repeated. When needed, the child is prompted in order to ensure success.

It’s important to note that the specific content of the discrete trials is based on an assessment of the individual child, his needs, and his abilities. So for example a child who is already capable of sorting shapes would not be asked to sort shapes indefinitely for rewards. Instead his therapy would focus on different, more challenging social and/or behavioral tasks. As children master behaviors, therapists will start to take them out of the therapy or home setting and into more natural settings, where they can practice and adapt their new skills to the real world.

ABA therapists are required to keep extensive data on their outcomes. This means that ABA is a data-driven decision making process and has been more fully researched and replicated than any other form of therapy in the field. As such, ABA has a reputation for being the most scientifically researched form of successful therapy available for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Dr. Ivar Lovaas passed away yesterday in California. Lovaas was a respected and revered pioneer in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders having been one of the first to use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to treat children with autism. Over the years, ABA has become the medically approved gold standard for autism treatment.

Applied Behavior Analysis helps people with autism learn to function in day-to-day society by using a system of rewards and consequences. Lovaas’ work began in the 1960s and helped thousands of children with autism across the globe. ABA is evidence-based treatment that proves successful in a large percentage of patients treated, and can offer the chance for a more productive life.

It was Lovaas’ idea that social and behavioral skills could be taught, even to profoundly autistic children, through the ABA method. His theory turned out to be quite true. Studies show that most children who receive ABA therapy learn to behave appropriately. Some children even lose their autism diagnosis after years of intensive therapy.

Lovaas’ research began at UCLA but he later created a clinic dedicated to the practice of ABA. Under his guidance, rigorous research was conducted proving the efficacy of ABA. The Lovaas Institute explains the concept in this way:

Applied – principles applied to socially significant behavior
Behavioral -based on scientific principles, a behavior can be targeted in its own right
Analysis – progress is measured and interventions modified

Dr. Lovaas was 83 years old when he died from natural causes at a Los Angeles-area hospital. His son, Eric, continues his research and treatment.