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by Tony Wise
I have heard that there are new national standards for autism treatments. Why are national standards important? How will this impact me as a parent of an autistic child?
The National Standards Project was started in 2005 as a uniform means of categorizing therapies used to treat individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The National Autism Center began the project with the support and guidance of a panel of experts comprised of scholars, researchers and other professionals in varying fields of study. The largest number of research studies ever reviewed—775—were included.
The project examined and quantified
the level of research supporting interventions
that target the core characteristics
of ASD in children, adolescents and
young adults (up to age 22) on the
autism spectrum. This is a significant
breakthrough, which allows families to
find specific information about the age
groups, treatment targets and diagnostic
populations to which these treatments
have been applied. In addition to 11
established treatments, the report identifies
22 “emerging” treatments that have
some evidence of effectiveness, but still
require more research, and five “unestablished”
treatments that have little or no
evidence of effectiveness.
Some findings of the National
Standards Project have identified the
following:
• 11 Established Treatments: Treatments
that produce beneficial outcomes and
are known to be effective for individuals
on the autism spectrum. The
overwhelming majority of these interventions
were developed in the behavioral
literature (e.g., applied behavior
analysis, behavioral psychology and
positive behavior support).
• 22 Emerging Treatments: Treatments that have some evidence of effectiveness, but not enough for us to be confident that they are truly effective.
• 5 Unestablished Treatments: Treatments for which there is no sound evidence of effectiveness. There is no way to rule out the possibility these treatments are ineffective or harmful.
The study produced the most comprehensive analysis available about treatments for children and adolescents with ASD. (Reprinted from the NSR published by the NAS)
The problem has been that families,
educators and service providers are
continually given different and often
conflicting information about the latest
treatments available. The National
Standards Report will help parents and
professionals sort through the overwhelming
number of treatment options.
These standards will provide evidence-based
practice standards and guidelines
for informed treatment decisions.
Most importantly, these standards will
help ensure our children acquire the
skills necessary to become successful,
productive and contributing members of
our society.
NAS website, nationalautismcenter.org, has the complete report, including video.
Tony Wise earned master’s degrees in both special education and administration followed by five years in the local school system. In 2005 he teamed up with a group of parents to start Bridges Learning Center, a full service center for families affected by autism.
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