The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased greatly in recent years, for a variety of reasons. In addition, a wide variety of treatment choices exists for parents of children with autism. One of the most commonly sought-after treatments is based on the research of Ole Ivar Lovaas, PhD. Indeed, few [Page 1383]individuals have had as powerful an impact in the field of autism as Lovaas. His early intervention program, which uses a behavioral approach to develop more appropriate behaviors, provides families with a powerful teaching tool with which to educate their children.

Although he is a recognized name in the field of autism, many people know little about the man. Given that his treatment procedure is emulated by thousands of families and ...