Overview of Evidence-based Interventions in ASD


Evidence based practices

What are EBPs?

  • “..a set of practices that have clear evidence of positive effects with autistic children and youth.” - The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice
  • Evidence-based practices, also known as EBPs, are strategies that are encouraged in the practice and teaching of individuals with autism due to their strong research and data backing. EBPs can be utilized across all settings including the home, clinic, other therapy sessions and most importantly, in schools.
  • The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice has a great resource that lists and describes the current 28 EBPs. 

Here is the Matrix of Evidence Based Practices, outcomes, and age categories from the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice. Click the link below to view. 

https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/NCAEP-Report-Table-3.7-Matrix.pdf

List of the 28 EBPs

Each of the hyperlinks below go to the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism at University of North Carolina. Each link opens a webpage that includes the evidence base for the intervention. The associated "brief" includes an implementation checklist for using the EBP with fidelity.

  1. Antecedent-Based Intervention research base     Download the ABI Brief from AFIRM
  2. Augmentative and Alternative communication     Download the AAC Brief from AFIRM
  3. Behavior Momentum Intervention                          
  4. Cognitive Behavior/Instructional Strategies          
  5. Differential Reinforcement 
  6. Direct Instruction 
  7. Discrete Trial Training 
  8. Exercise and Movement 
  9. Extinction 
  10. Functional Behavioral Assessment                          Download the FBA Brief from AFIRM
  11. Functional Communication Training 
  12. Modeling  
  13. Music-Mediated Intervention 
  14. Naturalistic Intervention 
  15. Parent-Implemented intervention 
  16. Peer-Based Instruction and Intervention 
  17. Prompting 
  18. Reinforcement 
  19. Response Interruption/redirection 
  20. Self-Management 
  21. Sensory Integration 
  22. Social Narratives 
  23. Social Skills Training 
  24. Task Analysis 
  25. Technology-Aided instruction and intervention 
  26. Time Delay 
  27. Video Modeling 
  28. Visual Supports  

Each link will open a new web browser. 

Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative

Several publications have been developed as a result of a partnership between the Thompson Foundation for Autism, the Office of Special Education of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Mercy Children’s Hospital – St. Louis and Springfield, and members of the Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative. These documents include the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guide to Evidence-based Interventions and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Missouri Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment and supporting documentation. More information about the MAGI documents, including how to access copies at no cost, is available on our website.

Mid-Missouri rapid response initiative self-paced, noncredit short course in autism interventions

Free to take online through the Missouri University Extension, the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-Based Practice and Interventions training was developed by the Mid-Missouri Rapid Response Initiative, which is funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities. This online module was created from the training through a partnership with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri Extension, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Office of Autism Services. 

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders online training modules for evidence based interventions

The National Professional Development Center has developed online modules for each of the evidence-based practices identified in their review of ASD interventions. These modules are available on the Autism Focused intervention resources & Modules (AFIRM) website.

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) online training modules for evidence based interventions

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) has also developed Autism Internet Modules (AIM) which features content from experts on ASD across the nation on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment. The AIM platform was designed and built by OCALI staff with components consistent with research on how adults learn. Information is presented at a universal reading level with activities providing support to those with introductory or advanced knowledge on ASD.

Featured below is one of a series of videos produced by Project ACCESS to assist with understanding each of the Evidence-Based Interventions. We will provide a different video each month.

Project ACCESS is committed to inculcating best practices through providing professional development that is based on evidence-based interventions. If you are interested in learning more about treatments and interventions that are based on scientific research, you are invited to investigate material provided in the resources listed here. If you have questions or comments, please contact us at 1-866-481-3841 or ProjectACCESS@missouristate.edu