What is evidence-based practice (EBP)?
An intervention is an evidence-based practice when there is scientific evidence to support its claims. Evidence-based practices must be selected for implementation based on sound professional judgment, coupled with the careful review of available data, input from individuals and family members, and an honest evaluation of the educators’ capacity to implement the interventions accurately.
Why is it important to identify evidence-based practices?
The long-term outcomes for autistic students and adults are greatly impacted by the types of interventions that they receive. Intervening early and with efficacy can make a difference in the academic, cognitive, social, behavioral, communicative, and self-help outcomes for autistic individuals. For this reason, extra time and resources are rarely available to invest in unproven or inconsistently effective practices. Educators, caregivers, and practitioners who serve autistic students are empowered when they can select treatments that are likely to have a maximal positive impact and will be acceptable and feasible.
How are evidence-based practices identified for the treatment of ASD?
The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team identified and published a list of 28 evidence-based practices that have positive effects with autistic children and youth. Panels of experts reviewed 31,779 research abstracts and ultimately 972 research studies in which practices were tested with autistic individuals under 22 years of age. The panelists checked the quality of studies and evaluated the effects of the interventions (Steinbrenner et. al, 2020).
What evidence-based practices have been identified for autistic students?
- Antecedent-Based Interventions
- Naturalistic Intervention
- Ayres Sensory Integration
- Parent-Implemented Intervention
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Peer-Based Instruction and Intervention
- Behavioral Momentum Intervention
- Prompting
- Cognitive Behavioral Instructional Strategies
- Reinforcement
- Differential Reinforcement of Alternative, Incompatible, or Other Behavior
- Response Interruption/Redirection
- Direct Instruction
- Self-Management
- Discrete Trial Training
- Social Narratives
- Exercise and Movement
- Social Skills Training
- Extinction
- Task Analysis
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention
- Functional Communication Training
- Time Delay
- Modeling
- Video Modeling
- Music-Mediated Intervention
- Visual Supports
TRIAD offers a variety of professional development and training about many of the EBPs listed identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team. The infographic below highlights many of the EBPs TRIAD features during trainings.
How can administrators and educators learn more about evidence-based practices for autistic students?
TRIAD Resources
TRIAD is a proud member of the Tennessee Technical Assistance Network (TN-TAN) through the Tennessee Department of Education. Through this network, we provide interactive training and consultation for administrators, teachers, paraeducators, school psychologists, and other professionals serving Tennessee students, including autistic students, in K-12 school settings. Email triad.doe@vumc.org with any questions. triad.vumc.org/schools
- TRIAD offers Brief Online Training Sessions (BOTS) and archived webinars to provide information on evidence-based practices for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Check our online learning portal to access these free trainings and resources. triad.vkclearning.org
- TRIAD offers live webinars that engage participants in interactive learning opportunities through live video training. Our webinars include a variety of topics that enhance professional knowledge in serving autistic students in the K-12 setting. triad.vumc.org/livewebinars
Vanderbilt Autism Resource Line
A single helpline to make it easier for families and professionals to find information about autism-related clinical, research, and outreach services at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The helpline serves families, caregivers, clinicians, educators, and others in need of autism-related resources at Vanderbilt.
- Local: (615) 322-7565
- Toll-free: (877) ASD-VUMC (273-8862)
- E-mail: autismresources@vumc.org
Other Resources
Reference
Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with Autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team.
Top photo by Getty Images/iStockphoto
[Revised 04/22]