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Resources

There are many resources available for you to learn about your child’s diagnosis and the evidence-based intervention you are about to begin. Below, please find the books, scientific papers, podcasts, and websites that recommend to our families as they are easily digested, reputable via scientific study, and helpful for you to know as you begin FirstSteps ABA services.

Books by FirstSteps Authors

Training Manual for Behavior Technicians working with Individuals with Autism by Jonathan Tarbox, Courtney Tarbox
Treating Feeding Challenges in Autism: turning the tables on Mealtime. Series editor: Jonathan Tarbox

Recommended Podcasts featuring Dr. Tarbox

Turn Autism Around Podcast
The Behavioral View Podcast
Behavioral Observations Podcast
All Autism Talk Podcast

There are hundreds of scientific studies demonstrating meaningful treatment outcomes for autistic children who receive therapeutic levels of ABA. We have listed some of the seminal studies here for your reference. We are happy to assist our FirstSteps families with securing the full articles upon request. Note, FirstSteps authors are bolded.

Bishop, M., Kenzer, A.L., Coffman, C. M., Tarbox, C., Tarbox, J., & Lanagan, T. M. (2013). Using stimulus fading without escape extinction to increase compliance with toothbrushing in children with autism, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7 (6), 680- 686

Eikeseth S., Hayward, D.W., Gale, C.M., Gitlesen, J.P. & Eldevik, S. (2009). Intensity of supervision and outcome for preschool aged children receiving early and intensive behavioral interventions: A preliminary study. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. (3), 1.

Eldevik, S., Hastings, R. P., Hughes, J. C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S. & Cross, S. (2009) Meta- Analysis of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Children with Autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38(3),439-450.

Howard, J.S., Sparkman, C.R., Cohen, H.G., Green G., & Stanislaw H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 26, 359-383.

Harris, S.L. & Handleman, J.S. (2000). Age and IQ at intake as predictors of placement for young children with autism: A four- to six-year follow-up. J Autism Dev Disorders 30(2),137-42.

Lerman, D. C., Harper-Dittlinger, L., Fentress, G., & Lanagan, T. (2011). A Comparison of Methods for Collecting Data on Students’ Performance During Discrete Trial Teaching. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

McEachin, J.J., Lovaas, O.I., Smith, T. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 97(4), 359-72.

Najdowski, A. C., Gould, E. R., Lanagan, T. M., & Bishop, M. R. (2014). Designing Curriculum Programs for Children with Autism. In Tarbox, J., Dixon, D. R., Sturmey, P., & Matson, J. L. (Eds.), Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Research, Practice, and Policy (pp. 227-259). New York: Springer.

O. Ivar Lovaas (1987), Behavioral Treatment and Normal Educational and Intellectual Functioning in Young Autistic Children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 55 (1), 3-9.

Schiff A., Tarbox, J., Lanagan, T., & Farag, P. (2011). Establishing compliance with liquid medication administration in a child with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 381-385.

Kohli Mathur, S., Renz, E. Tarbox, J. (2024).Affirming Neurodiversity within Applied Behavior Analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Tarbox, J., Najdowski, A. C., &Lanagan, T. M. (2011). Behavioral observation and measurement. In J. Luiselli (Ed.), Teaching and Behavior Support for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A “How To” Practitioner’s Guide. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Tarbox, C., Silverman, E. A. Chastain, A. N., Little, A., Bermudez, T. L., & Tarbox, J. (2020). Taking ACTion: 18 Simple Strategies for Supporting Children with Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Additional Resources: ABA & ASD

The Association for Behavior Analysis International logo

ABAI is a professional association for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis.

ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE IN AUTISM TREATMENT (ASAT)

ASAT is dedicated to disseminating accurate, scientifically valid information about Autism and its treatment options.

THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA

With chapters throughout the United States, The Autism Society is dedicated to supporting the autistic community.

FAMILIES FOR EARLY AUTISM TREATMENT

FEAT provides in-person and online resources, education, and support to newly diagnosed families and those with children receiving ABA services.

The Standards Project within the National Autism Center

The National Standards Project is working towards producing a set of standards for effective, research-validated education and behavioral intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Recommended Toys and Stimuli

Alphabet Learning locks: a set of locks and keys with letters on them

Alphabet Learning Locks

BalloonPoweredToys - a set of toys that are powered by balloons

BAKAM Balloon Powered Car Set

Pumpkin Bubble Blaster for Toddlers

Pumpkin Bubble Blaster for Toddlers

Dinosaur Take Apart Toys with Electric Drill

Dinosaur Take Apart Toys with Electric Drill

LEGO DUPLO Town Truck & Tracked Excavator Construction Vehicle

LEGO DUPLO Truck & Excavator Set

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Glowing Marble Run Construction Set

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Marble Run Set

Lydaz Number Bots

Number Bots

Counting Dinosaurs: Color Classification Toys

Counting Dinosaurs: Color Classification Toys

Magnetic Building Tiles for Kids

Magnetic Building Tiles for Kids

Preschool Busy Book for Toddlers

Preschool Busy Book for Toddlers

Water Doodle Mat: Color Drawing Mat for Kids

Water Doodle Mat: Color Drawing Mat for Kids

Magnetic Color & Number Maze

Magnetic Color & Number Maze

MagiCube 24-pc Magnetic Blocks Set

MagiCube 24-pc Magnetic Blocks Set

Fluffy Foam Soap

Fluffy Foam Soap

Rechargeable Oral Massager for Speech Therapy

Rechargeable Oral Massager for Speech Therapy

Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid

Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid

PLAY 2 in 1 Color Dough Kitchen Creations Set

PLAY 2 in 1 Color Dough Kitchen Creations Set

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PARENT ENDORSED RESOURCES