Title:
Measuring Quality of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
Abstract:
We have developed a quality standard based on the logic of the Periodic Service Review to evaluate and improve quality of individual EIBI programs. The programs are provided through in the two largest cities in Norway, Bergen and Oslo. Based on the core elements of EIBI we have made a 36 item checklist that we consider to represent an optimal EIBI program. Some of the items are given a higher weight (such as intensity of intervention and therapist training). The standards have measurable targets (done/not done) for all involved parties (supervisors, therapists, parents, community staff). We report quality data from 60 individual programs collected over a two year period and discuss what we have found to be the most common challenges we face in providing EIBI of high quality.
Bio:
Sigmund Eldevik is an associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University, Department of Behavioral Science, where he teaches courses in behavior analysis, early intervention for children with autism, and developmental psychology. He is a clinical psychologist from the University of Oslo, and a BCBA-D. His doctoral degree is from the University of Bangor, Wales. He works part time at the Center for Early Intervention in Oslo (STI), as a clinical psychologist. At OsloMet he is the leader of the research group “Applied and Experimental Behavior Analysis in Clinical Practice”. His research interests are on early intensive behavioral interventions for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. He has extensive experience in carrying out outcome research and reviews.