Often individuals and parents seeking services for autism ask, “What treatment will help me or my child with autism?” There are many treatments and interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

How do we know which treatments work?

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) with the support and assistance of the University of North Carolina (UNC) published “Evidenced-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The NPDC identified 27 evidenced-based practices (EBPs) that are the most effective for individuals on the autism spectrum.

What are Evidence-Based Practices?

To be considered an evidence-based practice, a treatment must be thoroughly investigated in multiple well-designed scientific studies and show measurable, sustained improvements in targeted areas.

27 Evidence-Based Practices

Antecedent-based Intervention	Cognitive Behavioral Intervention	Differential Reinforcement of Alternative, Incompatible, or Other Behavior
Exercise	Extinction	Functional Behavior Assessment
Modeling	Naturalist Intervention	Parent-implemented Intervention
Picture Exchange Communication System	Pivotal Response Training	Prompting
Response Interruption/Redirection	Scripting	Self-Management
Social Skills Training	Structured Play Group	Task Analysis
Time Delay	Video Modeling	Visual Support
Discrete Trial Teaching	Reinforcement	Peer-mediated Instruction and Intervention
Functional Communication Training	Social Narratives	Technology-aided Instruction and Intervention

The NPDC also identifies 24 other practices with some empirical support, but they do not meet the full criteria to be an evidenced-based practice. These treatments, along with other treatments not identified in the NPDC publication, should be used with caution when treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I encourage parents and individuals looking for autism treatments “that work” to review the following resources to guide you as you make a decision on what is the best course of treatment for yourself or your loved ones.

Resources:

Evidenced-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/sites/autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/files/2014-EBP-Report.pdf

The National Professional Development Center

https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/evidence-based-practices

The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice

https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/

Kyle Bringhurst is a behavior and mental health consultant and life coach who specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families. He is the founder of a company called Arizona Behavioral Consulting which specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Behavioral Disorders, Depression, Developmental Delays, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

He provides parenting classes for parents of children with Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Delays. He also provides in-home, school, and community services in Queen Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, San Tan Valley, and Apache Junction.

Contact:

Phone: 435-705-8664

Email: kyle@arizonabehavioralconsulting.com

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