Evaluating a Picture Schedule Reinforcement System to Improve Blood Draw Procedures for Children Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Diabetes

摘要

In clinical settings, caregivers often report that medically related visits are often longer and more difficult for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A preliminary study conducted by Dr. Robin Gabriels and Dr. John Agnew, indicated that picture schedules can reduce aberrant behaviors during a medical exam (R. Gabriels et al., 2013). The present project assessed whether a picture schedule reinforcement book can help reduce the stress experienced by children with ASD and diabetes during their routine blood draw. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist Community (ABC-C) was used to measure the subject’s irritability and stereotypic behaviors. The subjects displayed reduced irritability and stereotypic behaviors during the blood draw. The subjects also had a lower cooperation scale in the treatment blood draw than in their previous baseline blood draw. The limitation of this study was the low sample size (n=2) and comparing ABC-C scores that asked parents to scores behavior for different amount of time.