Which criteria did the Lovaas (1987) study consider for the best outcome?

The Lovaas (1987) study is foundational in the field of applied behavior analysis and specifically addresses treatment outcomes for children with autism. The criteria for determining the best outcome in this study were centered around significant measures of cognitive and social functioning, which included IQ, school placement, and diagnosis.

IQ is a critical factor as it is often used as a benchmark for cognitive development and impacts educational placement decisions. School placement reflects the academic achievement and social integration of the child, indicating how well they are functioning in a typical educational environment compared to their peers. The diagnosis itself can determine the framework for intervention and what milestones are expected for the child based on their specific needs.

In sum, these criteria provide a holistic view of a child’s development and integration into society, emphasizing the importance of cognitive abilities and adaptive functioning in measuring overall outcomes from behavioral interventions. The other options, while they may also be relevant to some extent, do not capture the comprehensive nature of how outcomes were assessed in Lovaas's study.