This essay will look at two psychological approaches and the use of these with an individual in an SLT setting. The health issue these approaches will relate to Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Before discussing this in further detail it is first necessary to define the characteristics of ASD and provide an overview of what psychology is and the existence of different theoretical approaches.
ASD is a disorder of psychological development defined by the presence of abnormal or impaired development that is manifest by the age of three years. It is characterized by abnormal functioning in the three areas of psychopathology: reciprocal social interaction, communication, and stereotypical, repetitive behaviour. It is considered to be a pervasive developmental disorder.
Psychology is a science involving the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. Psychology looks at the way a human (or animal) develops throughout their life. Humans are very complex and psychologists have developed several different theoretical approaches to explain and understand human development and behaviour.
Within the area of health care provision psychology is not only an area of specialism in itself but is actually an integral part of all health care since behaviour and social factors are recognized to influence both health and illness. In a health-care setting health care practioners need to understand and recognize the importance of psychology within their health care provision. It is fundamental to the way in which they improve the overall health of an individual and manage illness and/or disability.
The Research paper on Health Psychology
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Introduction to Health Psychology CHAPTER What Is Health Psychology? CHAPTER OUTLINE Definition of Health Psychology Why Do We Need Health Psychology? The Mind-Body Relationship: A Brief History Psychoanalytic Contributions Psychosomatic Medicine The Biopsychosocial Model in Health Psychology The Biopsychosocial Model Versus the Biomedical Model Advantages of the Biopsychosocial ...
While it is recognized that there are several psychological theories this discussion will focus upon only two of these theories and their application to the health issue in question: namely ASD. The theories which this discussion will focus on are Behaviourism (notably operant conditioning) and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
As stated in the aforementioned, impaired communication is characteristic of |ASD. Since communication is essential to express thoughts, concerns, wishes and needs and enables humans to build relationships and interact socially an ability to be able to communicate effectively is essential to the human experience. Impaired communication is pervasive and can affect humans through the whole of their life. As such a system which supports an individual’s ability to communicate effectively is advantageous.
A communication system called PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is used with individuals who have a communication disability as part of an ASD. PECS is a behaviourist instructional approach (based on the psychological theory of behaviourism) using rewards to introduce and extend a functional communication system. PECS is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that uses pictures instead of words to help children communicate. It was designed specifically for children with autism who have delays in speech development. Initially a child is given a set of pictures of a favourite food or toy (the stimulus).
When the child wants one of these items, he gives the picture to a communication partner e.g. SLT or parent and is immediately rewarded with the item. This exchange reinforces communication. Although it can take a long time to make the connection it is the hoped that as the child begins to understand the usefulness of communication that he/she will then begin to use natural speech or use a communication system, which facilitates their ability to express their needs and desires.
The Term Paper on Communication Theories Paper
Communication theories are important to learn and understand. Learning these theories helps us apply the theory to our own life. It helps our critical thinking skills as well as benefits one to understand the value of research that has been accomplished in this field. Understanding communication theories can help us make sense of our daily life experiences. There are three Communication theories ...
As stated in the above paragraph underpinning PECS is the theory of behaviourism. This discussion will now turn to an explanation of this.
Early in the 20th century the theory of Behaviourism arose. Whereas previous theories focused upon the conscious and unconscious mind, the theory of behaviourism focused on observable behaviour. Early work by Ivan Pavlov on dogs led to the discovery of the classical conditioning process. This theory existed for 50 years before B F Skinner introduced operant conditioning which demonstrated the effect of “punishment” and “reinforcement” on behaviour. Skinner believed that the best way to understand behaviour is to look at the causes of an action and its consequences (positive or negative).
This means changing behaviour by the use of reinforcement which is given after the desired response. Relating this back to PECS the use of the favourite toy or food provides reinforcement and the giving of the exchange of the card describes the desired response.
Turning now to the second theory which like behaviourism has application to the health issue in question: namely ASD
1n the 1940s Abraham Maslow introduced his theory of psychology of a hierarchy of needs. Although not presented this way by Maslow these needs are often shown in a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid addressing the most basic needs while the most complex are located at the top of the pyramid. Maslow believed people needed to fulfill each need before moving on to the next. The lowest levels are the most basic needs including breathing, food, water and sleep. These are psychosocial needs and are literally a matter of life or death. Once these needs are met people can move onto the next level. The second levels are security needs including safety and security. When these needs are satisfied people move on to their social needs for friendships and relationships. These needs are particularly strong in children and can take priority over safety, an example of this being children who want to remain with abusive parents. After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs becomes important. Esteem presents the normal desire to be valued. The highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy is concerned with self-actualizing needs, self -awareness, personal growth and an individual fulfillment of their own potential. .
The Essay on Psychoanalytic, Jungian and Individual Psychology Theories
The counseling roadmap for this learner essentially begins on an angle, with a number of major theories of degree. Some of the major counseling theories the learner will study, in this course, include: classical psychoanalysis, individual psychology, analytical theory, person-centered therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential therapy, solution focused therapy, behavior therapy, ...
Maslow’s Hierarchy underpins the social model of care. This model focuses on the needs of the whole person and not on environmental factors. . It is applicable to health care planning; including that for individuals with ASD. It addresses an individuals strengths, limitations, and needs. An SLT looks at the ASD client as a whole since the inability to communicate or interact effectively with others can adversely affect an individuals ability to fulfil their needs at every level. By focusing upon an individual’s need fulfillment an SLT working with a client with ASD can help an individual fulfill their potential.
Psychological theories applicable to health care for individuals with ASD are not mutually exclusive. For example PECS (a behaviourist approach) can support communication in order to advance through the hierarchy of need as described by Maslow.
This discussion has sought to establish the application of psychological theory in the arena of ASD. It is clear from this discussion that psychological theory does have its place in the health care of this particular group of individuals.
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The Term Paper on Support The Use Of Medication In Health & Social Care
1.1 Identify legislation that governs the use of medication in social-care settings There are : The Medicines Act 1968, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (and later amendments), the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973 (and later amendments), the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), COSHH, the Mental Capacity Act (2005) the Access to health records Act (1990), the Data Protection Act (1998) ...
Ogden, J. 1966. Health psychology in a text book. Maidenhead, New York. Open University
Pyramid Education System. (2006-07).
What is PECS? PECS and Autism. Available: http://www.pecs.org.uk/general/what.htm. Last accessed 28th February 2012
