Navigating the right path following a diagnosis of autism or severe behavior disorder can be daunting.  It is important to quickly gain the skills necessary to sort out effective interventions from those with less solid or no support.  Parents, educators and caregivers are encouraged to:

• Evaluate treatment claims using the scientific method with a healthy dose of skepticism.  Become part of a community that supports scientifically-sound assessment and treatment procedures.
• Ensure those supervising services have specific competencies.  See Autism SIG Consumer Guidelines and BACB links below. 
• Develop a support network and seek ongoing training.

 

Relevant Readings and Links

• The Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) –www.abainternational.org
• The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) –www.asatonline.org
• Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) of ABA (2006).  Autism SIG Consumer Guidelines for Identifying, Selecting and Evaluating Behavior Analysts Working with Individuals with ASD.  www.autismsig.org
• Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) –  www.bacb.com
• Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies – www.behavior.org
• Howard, J.S., Sparkman, C.R., Cohen, H.G., Green, G., & Stanislaw, H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism.  Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26, 359-383.
• Maurice, C. (1993).  Let me hear your voice.  New York: Knopf.
• Maurice, C., Green, G., Luce, S. (Eds.) (1996).  Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals.  Texas: Pro-Ed.
• NYSDOH Early Intervention Program (1999).  Clinical practice guideline: Report of the recommendations.  Autism/pervasive developmental disabilities. Assessment and intervention for young children (age 0-3 years). New York: NYSDOH. www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/eip/index.htm. 
• Research Study on Social and Communication Development in Toddlers with Early and Later ASD Diagnoses.
• Research Study on Diagnosis of ASD in the First 3 Years of Life.

 

Serving the Greater
Washington Metropolitan Area.

 

Did you know ASAT provides accurate, science-based information
and promotes access to effective autism treatment?
See www.asatonline.org for more information.