Best Practices

Because eclectic models can vary widely, and cannot be validated by research as we build them for each individual person, they can greatly enhanced by, and their outcomes may even be dependent upon, the use of these universal best Autism practices for successful results. These guidelines also allow the Autism community to have some principles we can have consensus on, even as we may agree to disagree on the specific models we may choose from in a person-focused, family-centered, and community based model approach.

The following are the ten universal best-practice features that have been
shown to provide a common foundation to all successful intervention programs:
1.
Emphasis on earliest possible screening, diagnosis, eligibility for Autism services evaluations and ongoing assessment in the immediate implementation of appropriate effective Autism interventions
2.
Programs are tailored to the needs of each individual with specific adaptations that match the person's spectrum profile, age, stage of development, and emergent potentials
3.
Highly structured and skill-oriented teaching and treatment programs
4.
Frequent informal reassessment and systematic data-based tracking of skill growth and related plan review and revisions
5.
Use individual motivational strategies and systems (behavioral model motivators are more extrinsic in nature, and developmental model motivators are more intrinsic in nature. Most programs will utilize a certain combination)
6.
Teaching areas are structured, organized and distraction-free environments which incorporate intensive one-to-one and small group sessions. Activities and routines are flexible yet predictable. Time spent waiting is kept to a minimum
7.
Provide multiple settings and consistency of methodology across time and spaces, in at least three and up to six settings, for promoting skills generalization
8.
All personnel are well-trained and continuously evaluated for competence and consistency in application of the intervention model used--optimally a family-centered choice with life-span planning
9.
Comprehensive home programming and parent training within a team approach that seeks to use the family’s talent in a co-treatment mode
10.
Intervention strategies are maintained full-day and year-round from preschool through adulthood, as provided by our family and respite-care providers and our public and private services and programs

RECENT PUBLICATION: A meta-analysis of educational interventions text: “Educating Children with Autism”
Published by the National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington D.C. at: www.nap.edu