Evidenced-Based Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses have increased significantly over the last two decades.
• A wide array of interventions for ASD exist, with varying levels of scientific evidence.
• The field increasingly prioritizes identifying and using evidence-based treatments for ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize evidence-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
• To examine interventions across multiple disciplines including psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and developmental pediatrics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review and summary of recent scientific literature.
• Conducted by professionals within an interdisciplinary autism center.
• Focused on findings from the National Autism Center's National Standards Project.

Main Results:

• Interventions for ASD vary in their level of evidence across different disciplines.
• Disciplinary definitions of evidence-based treatments may differ.
• There is a need to promote practices with the strongest evidence according to each field's standards.

Conclusions:

• It is crucial for all disciplines to offer and promote interventions with the highest level of evidence.
• Striving for best practices ensures optimal care for children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to advancing evidence-based care in ASD.