Recent adaptations have moved away from the harsh physical aspects of this treatment. While Lovaas' treatment style has been widely used, it has been controversial (Autism Society of America, 2001). Some of the practical concerns include the cost of this treatment, as much as $50,000 annually and 20-40 hours per week conducted at home with the child. This may place additional stress on already challenged families.
In functional analysis, an observer systematically records behaviors in order to determine the function of one or more target behaviors. This process includes an examination of the setting and events that may prompt or cue a behavior. For example, a child with autism may stage a tantrum at mealtimes, seriously disrupting the family. Close examination may reveal that the child is opposed to the order in which his food is presented on his plate. .
Once the behaviors are understood, the parents can be taught to effectively intervene, changing events when needed and reinforcing positive child behaviors. This nurturing, family oriented, approach is gaining popularity as parents are empowered to train their children in natural settings. A little more formal approach is called project TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children). This is a program model that integrates behavioral and cognitive theory together, and includes parents as co therapists emphasizing long-term treatment and support from early childhood through adulthood (Schopler, 1996).
Greenspan's Developmental Approach is a little more extreme than the three above. He uses a developmental play model emphasizing child emotional well being, Greenspan's (1992) approaches, also known as "floor time- Developmental Individual Difference, targets personal interactions to promote social interaction. Unlike the highly directive Lovaas techniques, Greenspan emphasizes the value of a child, learning in play sessions, with the therapist or parent usually sitting on the floor with the child.