In the Week 3 paper, you discussed controversial treatments that are evidence based. In this assignment, you will be considering controversial interventions that are not evidence based. These treatments are not behavior analytic in nature and therefore, cannot be recommended by a BCBA.

Numerous controversial treatments are promoted for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Almost all behavior analysts agree that these treatments lack sufficient empirical support. These treatments include facilitated communication, sensory integration, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, elimination diets, chelation therapy, floortime, and more. Conduct an Internet search for information on one of the topics mentioned above. If you would like to choose a topic not listed, first message your instructor for approval to be sure it is not evidence based. Also research the treatment in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis or other professional ABA journals.

Use the Controversial Treatments Template [DOCX] to complete the following:

• Fully describes a controversial treatment using information from at least one reputable source.
• Discuss at least one pro statement that supports the use of the treatment. These may come from experts, therapists, parents, or others. Also, discuss at least one con statement that opposes or refutes the treatment.
• Summarize these statements and evaluate your findings. Discuss at least three relevant ethics codes that you have learned in this course thus far.
• Explain how to effectively evaluate treatments to determine if they are evidence based or not.
• Explain, in your conclusion, how you would discuss the importance of using evidence-based strategies with colleagues and the families with whom you work while also respecting other professions and the people involved.

Assignment Requirements

Your assignment should meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review the Evidence and APALinks to an external site. section of the
• Writing Center for more information on how to cite your sources.
• Resources: 2–4 recent scholarly resources.
• Length: 3–4 double-spaced pages, in addition to a title page and references page.

Refer to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research GuideLinks to an external site. for help finding resources.

Review the Controversial Treatments rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:

• Competencies MeasuredBy successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
  • Competency 1: Analyze ethical responsibilities to colleagues and to the profession.
    • Explain how to effectively evaluate treatments to determine if they are evidence based or not.
  • Competency 2: Analyze ethical responsibilities related to practitioner-client relationships and practitioner-family relationships.
    • Explain how to communicate the importance of using evidence-based strategies to colleagues and family members.
  • Competency 3: Evaluate assessment and intervention methods using the BACB ethical code.
    • Describe a controversial treatment.
    • Discuss one pro statement and one con statement regarding the controversial treatment.
    • Evaluate the controversial treatment using at least three of the BACB ethics codes.
  • Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
    • Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
    • Demonstrate compliance with current APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.