Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a subset of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that focuses specifically on young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It involves extensive therapy designed to foster positive behavior change and functional skills. EIBI is characterized by its high intensity and early start, often beginning before a child reaches school age, and typically involves 20-40 hours of therapy per week.
History of EIBI
The roots of EIBI trace back to the broader field of ABA, which is based on the theories of behaviorism developed by B.F. Skinner in the early 20th century. The specific adaptation of these principles into what is now recognized as EIBI began with the pioneering work of Dr. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA in the 1960s and 1970s. Lovaas’s research demonstrated that intensive ABA techniques could markedly improve outcomes for children with autism. His 1987 study published findings that nearly half of the children who participated in his intensive ABA program achieved significant improvements in IQ and educational functioning.
What is EIBI?
EIBI is a highly structured teaching method aimed at enhancing language, communication, and social behaviors while minimizing problematic behaviors. The therapy is tailored to each child’s unique needs and is typically delivered in a one-on-one setting. Key components of EIBI include:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This technique breaks down skills into the smallest possible steps and teaches them through repeated trials. Each trial consists of a prompt, the child’s response, and a consequence (typically a form of reinforcement).
- Task Analysis: This involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, teachable steps, ensuring that each step is mastered before moving to the next.
- Generalization: This aspect focuses on ensuring that the skills learned in therapy sessions are transferable to various settings and situations in the child’s daily life.
- Data-Driven: EIBI relies heavily on data collection and analysis to monitor the child’s progress and adjust the intervention strategies accordingly.
How it Works
The effectiveness of EIBI is largely attributed to its intensity and the early start of the intervention. The intensive nature allows for numerous repetitions and reinforcements, which are thought to be critical in helping the brain to rewire and learn new behaviors and skills. Starting early takes advantage of the brain’s plasticity during the critical developmental years.
Criticisms and Debate
Despite its popularity and widespread use, EIBI and its underlying methodologies have not been without criticism:
- Intensity and Demand: Critics argue that the high demands of EIBI (in terms of hours spent in therapy each week) can be taxing on the child and the family.
- Focus on Conformity: Some in the neurodiversity movement contend that the focus of EIBI on making autistic children appear “normal” is problematic, suggesting that it does not fully respect and value autistic ways of being.
- Variability in Outcomes: While many studies support the efficacy of EIBI, outcomes can vary significantly among individuals. Some children make substantial gains, while others show minimal improvement.