The main purpose of this paper is to draw attention to some facts and ideas that perhaps can help to identify problems or fields for development and research within the evaluation of training. Topics for group discussion are preceded by material on some basic concepts of evaluation and educational measurement. The ratio scale, the interval scale, the ordinal scale, and the nominal scale are given as examples of kinds of scales used in educational measurement; the problem of norms is discussed; potential purposes of evaluation or educational measurement are outlined; and some characteristics of a good measuring instrument are explained. The author also defends the inclusion of evaluation as an Integral part of a model for planning and carrying out educational programs. (BW) *********************************************************************** Documents acquired by ERIC include many informal unpublished * materials not available from other sources. ERIC makes every effort * * to obtain the best copy available. Nevertheless, items of marginal * * reproducibility are often encountered and this affects the quality * of the microfiche and hardcopy reproductions ERIC makes available * * via the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS). EDRS is not * responsible for the quality of the original document. Reproductions * * supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original. *********************************************************************** U S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION &WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION EVALUATION OF TRAINING

/pdf/evaluation-of-training-4s7htqhxas.pdf

Evaluation of Training.

http://www.interactingwithautism.com/pdf/treating/129.pdf

A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism.

Using our theoretical framework of multimodal processing, we developed and evaluated a computer-animated tutor, Baldi, to teach vocabulary and grammar for children with autism. Baldi was implemented in a Language Wizard/Player, which allows easy creation and presentation of a language lesson involving the association of pictures and spoken words. The lesson plan includes both the identification of pictures and the production of spoken words. In Experiment 1, eight children were given initial assessment tests, tutorials, and reassessment tests 30 days following mastery of the vocabulary items. All of the students learned a significant number of new words and grammar. A second within-subject design with six children followed a multiple baseline design and documented that the program was responsible for the learning and generalization of new words. The research indicates that children with autism are capable of learning new language within an automated program centered around a computer-animated agent, multimedia, and active participation and can transfer and use the language in a natural, untrained environment.

Development and evaluation of a computer-animated tutor for vocabulary and language learning in children with autism.

Evidence of executive dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across development remains mixed and establishing its role is critical for guiding diagnosis and intervention. The primary objectives of this meta-analysis is to analyse executive function (EF) performance in ASD, the fractionation across EF subdomains, the clinical utility of EF measures and the influence of multiple moderators (for example, age, gender, diagnosis, measure characteristics). The Embase, Medline and PsychINFO databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published since the inclusion of Autism in DSM-III (1980) up to end of June 2016 that compared EF in ASD with neurotypical controls. A random-effects model was used and moderators were tested using subgroup analysis. The primary outcome measure was Hedges' g effect size for EF and moderator factors. Clinical sensitivity was determined by the overlap percentage statistic (OL%). Results were reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 235 studies comprising 14 081 participants were included (N, ASD=6816, Control=7265). A moderate overall effect size for reduced EF (Hedges' g=0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.53) was found with similar effect sizes across each domain. The majority of moderator comparisons were not significant although the overall effect of executive dysfunction has gradually reduced since the introduction of ASD. Only a small number of EF measures achieved clinical sensitivity. This study confirms a broad executive dysfunction in ASD that is relatively stable across development. The fractionation of executive dysfunction into individual subdomains was not supported, nor was diagnostic sensitivity. Development of feasible EF measures focussing on clinical sensitivity for diagnosis and treatment studies should be a priority.

/pdf/autism-spectrum-disorders-a-meta-analysis-of-executive-3eautl8hz8.pdf

Autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis of executive function

BACKGROUND
The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increases the need for evidence-based behavioral treatments to lessen the impact of symptoms on children's functioning. At present, there are no curative or psychopharmacological therapies to effectively treat all symptoms of the disorder. Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), a treatment based on the principles of applied behavior analysis delivered for multiple years at an intensity of 20 to 40 hours per week, is one of the more well-established treatments for ASD.


OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of EIBI in increasing the functional behaviors and skills of young children with ASD.


SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases on 22 November 2011: CENTRAL (2011 Issue 4), MEDLINE (1948 to November Week 2, 2011), EMBASE (1980 to Week 46, 2011), PsycINFO (1806 to November Week 3, 2011), CINAHL (1937 to current), ERIC (1966 to current), Sociological Abstracts (1952 to current), Social Science Citation Index (1970 to current), WorldCat, metaRegister of Controlled Trials, and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. We also searched the reference lists of published papers.


SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized control trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized control trials, or clinical control trials (CCTs) in which EIBI was compared to a no-treatment or treatment-as-usual control condition. Participants must have been less than six years of age at treatment onset and assigned to their study condition prior to commencing treatment.


DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected and appraised studies for inclusion and assessed the risk of bias in each included study. All outcome data were continuous, from which standardized mean difference effect sizes with small sample correction were calculated. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis where possible, which means we assumed individual studies would provide different estimates of treatment effects.


MAIN RESULTS
One RCT and four CCTs with a total of 203 participants were included. Reliance on synthesis from four CCTs limits the evidential base and this should be borne in mind when interpreting the results. All studies used a treatment-as-usual comparison group. We synthesized the results of the four CCTs using a random-effects model of meta-analysis of the standardized mean differences. Positive effects in favor of the EIBI treatment group were found for all outcomes. The mean effect size for adaptive behavior was g = 0.69 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.01; P < 0.0001). The mean effect size for IQ was g = 0.76 (95% CI 0.40 to 1.11; P < 0.0001). Three measures of communication and language skills all showed results in favor of EIBI: expressive language g = 0.50 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.95; P = 0.03), receptive language g = 0.57 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.94; P = .03), and daily communication skills g = 0.74 (95% CI 0.30 to 1.18; P = 0.0009). The mean effect size for socialization was g = 0.42 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.73; P = 0.0008), and for daily living skills was g = 0.55 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.87; P = 0.0005). Additional descriptive analyses of other aspects related to quality of life and psychopathology are presented. However, due to the inclusion of non-randomized studies, there is a high risk of bias and the overall quality of evidence was rated as 'low' using the GRADE system, which rates the quality of evidence from meta-analyses to determine recommendations for practice.


AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is some evidence that EIBI is an effective behavioral treatment for some children with ASD. However, the current state of the evidence is limited because of the reliance on data from non-randomized studies (CCTs) due to the lack of RCTs. Additional studies using RCT research designs are needed to make stronger conclusions about the effects of EIBI for children with ASD.

/pdf/early-intensive-behavioral-intervention-eibi-for-young-1hxfhg52uj.pdf

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Systematic Review. Campbell Systematic Reviews 2014:9.

Autismo: intervenções psicoeducacionais

SOCIal COMPEtENCE, SCHOOl INClUSION aNd aUtISM: CRItICal lItERatURE REVIEW ABSTRACT: autism is a condition characterized by an atypical development in the social interaction and com- munication, and by a remarkably restricted repertoire of activities and interests. these characteristics can lead the child and her family to a continuous isolation. However, it is believed that the school inclusion can provide these children opportunities to be with others of the same age group, allowing the development of the social competence and learning. the aim of this study was to critically review the literature on the concept of social competence and school inclusion in the area of autism. Few studies were identified about this topic, but with methodological limitations. this situation points to the need of studies that demonstrate the autistic children's interactive poten- tialities and the possibility of their inclusion in the mainstream school, since early education.

/pdf/competencia-social-inclusao-escolar-e-autismo-revisao-2i3filzude.pdf

Competência social, inclusão escolar e autismo: revisão crítica da literatura

Many studies have shown evidence of high levels of stress in families with autistic children. Concerning this process, it is important to consider the coping strategies used by family members in face of the adverse circumstances. The purpose of this study is to investigate the coping strategies of mothers when dealing with their autistic children, as well as how they deal with their own emotions unleashed by the stress. Thirty mothers, between 30 and 56 years old participated in the study. Their children have met the criteria for autism and attended special education schools. The coping strategies were investigated using a semi-structured interview, which was transcribed and analyzed by content analysis. The main difficulties refer to the child's behavior. In relation to these difficulties, the strategy used by the mothers was predominantly direct action and acceptance. Concerning the strategies to deal with their own emotions, the most frequent categories were distraction, reaching out for social/religious support, lack of action and avoidance. Results are discussed in terms of stress and maternal adaptation model.

/pdf/estrategias-de-coping-de-maes-de-portadores-de-autismo-9hp55fdrwd.pdf

Estratégias de coping de mães de portadores de autismo: lidando com dificuldades e com a emoção

The occurrence of problems related to social development is the best predictors of a future diagnosis of an Autistic Disorder. Speech delay, however, seems to be the main that reason that leads parents to seek assistance. The present study aimed to investigate the first symptoms observed by the parents of children with autism and the age that it occurred. Thirty-two preschool children participated in the study. The instrument used was the Autism Diagnostic Interviwed-Revised. Abnormalities in language development were the most frequent symptoms reported by the parents, but social impairment was the earliest that was noticed. The average age when the parents noticed the first symptoms was 15.2 months. The results corroborate other findings, highlighting the importance of social deficits for the early identification of autism.

https://periodicos.unb.br/index.php/revistaptp/article/download/17626/17002

Identificação dos primeiros sintomas do autismo pelos pais

The aim of this article is to discuss the development of the joint attention ability and its implications for the early identification of autism. The literature review is based on both developmental theories and empirical evidence. For this purpose, a wider discussion about the development of communication and the concept of intentionality is included within which the issues about the joint attention ability are inserted. Subsequently, the importance of the presence of the JA ability in the childis behavioral repertoire is focused. It is argued that the JA deficits are among the strongest predictors of developmental disorders,

/pdf/atencao-compartilhada-e-identificacao-precoce-do-autismo-qwz67f68bf.pdf

Cleonice Alves Bosa

Papers

Autismo: intervenções psicoeducacionais

Competência social, inclusão escolar e autismo: revisão crítica da literatura

Estratégias de coping de mães de portadores de autismo: lidando com dificuldades e com a emoção

Identificação dos primeiros sintomas do autismo pelos pais

Atenção compartilhada e identificação precoce do autismo