The biopsychosocial framework and its application to applied behavior analysis : a qualitative multiple case study.
| dc.contributor.advisor | Meehan, Jessica Padrón. | |
| dc.creator | Weisdack, Kristan A., 1981- | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-17T14:16:56Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-17T14:16:56Z | |
| dc.date.created | 2023-08 | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-08 | |
| dc.date.submitted | August 2023 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2024-07-17T14:16:56Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | Autism is an epidemic, with 1 in every 44 children in the United States having the diagnosis. The cumulative cost of autism between 1990 and 2029 is estimated to rise to $15 trillion in the absence of more effective treatment (Cakir, 2020). It is critical to examine the most widely used treatment for autism, applied behavior analysis, to ensure that practitioners’ methods align with practice standards and that individuals receiving services have consistent, high-quality care. During the intake and assessment process in applied behavior analysis, there is no formalized assessment to guide Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to determine if the concomitant physiological issues associated with autism cause behavioral problems and to help BCBAs make referrals to appropriate providers. This research involved three BCBAs working with children with autism in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. I applied the biopsychosocial model (BPS) framework to this research to examine the biological, psychological, and social factors each participant explored during their intake and assessment process. The theoretical framework guided the data collection, including a questionnaire, a 12-question interview, and artifact collection. I employed a qualitative multiple case-study design to answer exploratory research questions to gain in-depth knowledge about each participant (Creswell & Poth, 2017). The design led to the description of each behavior analyst’s intake and assessment process; their beliefs and attitudes about how biological, psychological, and social factors impact behavior; and the barriers they faced in collecting medical history information from their clients. The study’s findings indicate that these behavior analysts use different intake and assessment processes, give limited attention to the biological components of behavior, and do not make referrals to providers specifically trained to treat the concomitant issues associated with autism. Behavior analysts will benefit most from this research. The research describes the history of behaviorism, autism, co-occurring medical issues associated with autism, and the practice of behavior analysis. This study highlights the need for a consistent, holistic assessment process, the expansion of the graduate school curriculum for behavior analysts, and the expansion of insurance coverage for holistic behavior assessments. | |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier.uri | ||
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/2104/12850 | |
| dc.language.iso | English | |
| dc.rights.accessrights | Worldwide access | |
| dc.title | The biopsychosocial framework and its application to applied behavior analysis : a qualitative multiple case study. | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| dc.type.material | text | |
| thesis.degree.department | Baylor University. Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction. | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | Baylor University | |
| thesis.degree.name | Ed.D. | |
| thesis.degree.program | Learning & Organizational Change | |
| thesis.degree.school | Baylor University |
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