Ole Ivar Lovaas

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Ole Ivar Lovaas

Known for	Lovaas technique, father of applied behavior analysis
Website http://www.lovaas.com/

Ole Ivar Lovaas is a clinical psychologist considered one of the fathers of applied behavior analysis therapy for autism through his development of the Lovaas technique and the first to provide evidence that the behavior of autistic children can be modified through teaching,^[1] though many critics thought his original claims of effectiveness were overstated.^[2] His original findings have now been replicated via independent peer reviewed studies.^[3] In his original studies in the late 1950's aversives such as electric shock successfully treated approximately 50% of individuals engaging in instances of extreme self-injury whose life expectancy was reduced by secondary infection. During the time of these studies it was discovered that the professionals in these institutional settings inadvertently reinforced self-injury with attention.^{[citation needed]} Subsequent studies relied on extinction, in these cases, giving attention when not engaging in self-injury.

[edit] References

^ Satcher, David. Mental Health: A report of the Surgeon General. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved on 2008-04-02.
^ Francis K (2005). "Autism interventions: a critical update" (PDF). Dev Med Child Neurol 47 (7): 493–99. doi:10.1017/S0012162205000952. PMID 15991872.
^ Sallows GO, Graupner TD (2005). "Intensive behavioral treatment for children with autism: four-year outcome and predictors". Am J Ment Retard 110 (6): 417-38. doi:10.1352/0895-8017(2005)110[417:IBTFCW]2.0.CO;2. PMID 16212446.

[edit] Further reading

"Screams, Slaps & Love: A surprising, shocking treatment helps far-gone mental cripples". Life magazine, 1965.
Lovaas OI (1987). "Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children". J Consult Clin Psychol 55 (1): 3-9. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.55.1.3. PMID 3571656.