The Clinical Application of Applied Behavior Analysis in a Child With Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Abstract

The current case study describes the longitudinal assessment of a young child diagnosed with Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified. The patient participated in an applied behavior analysis (ABA)–based Verbal Behavior treatment program to target communication impairments and functional skill deficits. Because ABA-based interventions have demonstrated efficacy in improving levels of functioning across various developmental disabilities, it was reasonable to assess the clinical utility of these same strategies when applied to a patient presenting with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and associated developmental delays. The current study relied on quasi-experimental single-subject design methods to measure treatment outcomes and to inform clinical decision making. Dependent measures in the study included standardized, norm-referenced assessments of cognitive and adaptive functioning, as well as behavioral data collected throughout treatment to measure gains across skill areas. Outcomes included rapid skill acquisition across several areas of functioning (e.g., expressive and receptive language, visual-performance, and adaptive emotional/behavioral functioning). The impact of treatment on global areas of functioning will be reported.