Behavior Analytic Support of Needle-related Hospital Visits for Autistic Patients

Supporting Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) During Needle-related Hospital Visits Through the Use of Behavior Analytic Strategies

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior analytic intervention in reducing the number of challenging behaviors exhibited by patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while increasing compliance with needle-related simulations and procedures. A second purpose is to assess the social validity of this study as evidenced by patient and/or caregiver acceptability. The study wil take place at Boston Medical Center (BMC).

A Single Subject Design (SSD) wil be utilized as it allows for detailed, individualized assessment of how interventions affect behavior over time in this type of behavior analytic research. By focusing on each participant as an individual and having each participant act as their own control, it demonstrates clear cause-and-effect relationships, showing how behavior changes with the introduction or withdrawal of an intervention. This method is flexible, enabling ongoing adjustments to treatments based on real-time data, making it particularly useful in personalized interventions and ensuring effectiveness for patients with unique needs such as those who would be eligible to enroll and participate in this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Caregivers of autistic patients who have been historically engaged in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures at a Boston Medical Center (BMC)
• Established BMC autistic patients (ages 3+) who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors in the presence of needle-related medical stimuli.
• BMC Medical Providers (i.e., phlebotomists, medical doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, registered dieticians, and medical assistants) who either: 1) order needle-related medical procedures for participants to be conducted during procedure visits and/or 2) are present to conduct the ordered procedure
• English speaking participants

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are unable to visit BMC a minimum of 2 times per month
• No history of challenging behaviors in medical appointments involving the presentation of needle(s)
• Patients and caregivers who do not speak English or are unable to utilize interpreter services to complete assessments and surveys