What are “Evidence-Based Practices”?
There are a lot of acronyms and technical jargon that are encountered following a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It can be overwhelming and daunting when different professionals use different terms or seem to be speaking another language entirely. However, ultimately, the individual or family seeking consultation and support should have the final say about what they want to do to meet their needs.
The best way to know what is most helpful, despite all the recommendations, advertisements, or clinical opinions that are out there, is to become an effective, informed consumer. Being an informed consumer of services is more than just listening to what professionals say. It involves learning about the specifics of what is being recommended, as well as making sure that there is clear, demonstrated support for a treatment. The only way to know if something is effective is to make sure that the treatment or service does what is says it is supposed to do as demonstrated in well-controlled research. When interventions are based on scientifically sound procedures combined with consideration of client characteristics, culture, and preferences, they are called “evidence-based practices” or EBPs.
Determining which treatments are EBPs could be overwhelming for an individual or family. Thankfully, there are several organizations that have undertaken initiatives to help define what treatments for ASD meet criteria as an EBP. Below are links to some of those resources so you can read more at their websites or download the reports that help outline EBPs.
● The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (Frank Porter Graham Institute at the University of North Carolina)
● The National Autism Center at May Institute – National Standards Project (Phase 1 & 2)
Another helpful way to become an informed consumer is to know what to look for and what questions to ask. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has many helpful guides on a range of topics, but specifically has a guide entitled Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Research. OAR’s website indicates that the guide details how to:
● Find information about autism
● Distinguish between research-based and non-research-based information
● Become savvy consumers of information by giving parents the tools to identify reputable research
● Evaluate research studies using a guiding uniform framework
● Interpret and apply findings to individual situations and needs
For information on evidence-based practice in special education more broadly, the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education might be of interest.
Why are we posting about this?
The Binghamton Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (Binghamton RCASD) is a university-affiliated resource center that brings research and practice together in community settings. Binghamton RCASD provides evidence-based training and support to families and professionals, and through ongoing research, contributes knowledge to the field of autism spectrum disorders. It is our mission to help individuals and families reach the right information to better inform their decisions about care and support in their community. All of our trainings, conferences, and workshops summarize content that meets the criteria for evidence-based practice in ASD.
