Evaluating Treatments

There is a difference between evidence-based practices (EBPs; those with quality research behind them), emerging practices (those with some good studies to support their efficacy), and practices with no research base. Early on, it is easy to be vulnerable to treatment options that promise a cure for Autism. It is important to understand which treatments are more likely to help your child based on data about them. Make sure you understand your child’s diagnostic report and how it points to your child’s needs. If you do not understand the terms and numbers on the report, ask for clarification from the professional who tested your child.

An initial diagnostic report does not offer enough information by itself to develop a treatment plan. Treatment options can change over time; your child’s plan might be adjusted depending on your child’s response.

You will find information about effective, emerging, and non-effective treatments from the National Autism Center’s National Standards Project, Phases I and II. This organization reviews all published studies about Autism treatments for children and constructs a list of Established Interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults under the age of 22.  In 2015, Phase II of the literature included studies evaluating interventions for adults (22+)

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment allows you to look up a specific therapy to see if there are any studies to support its use. The site will tell you if the treatment is recommended, needs more research, or is not recommended.

The National Professional Development Center on Autism was a project funded by the Office of Special Education to promote the use of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) in schools because, by law, teaching practices must be based on evidence of effectiveness. They have identified 28 EBPs and even provided a comparison of those listed by the National Autism Center. The site defines each EBP and links to an internet module, which will teach you about the practice and why teachers might use it.

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) houses Internet Modules that discuss EBPs. As a parent or caregiver, you can complete the modules at your own pace at any time of day. The modules are geared to adult learners and use text, pictures, videos, downloadable documents, and a pre-and post-test. The training is free, and while learners can use the course reports and certificates to earn professional development hours, the program is designed so every user gains knowledge and can implement the skills learned immediately.

You also may want to learn how to read the research. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) uses applied science to answer questions about Autism that parents, families, individuals with Autism, teachers, and caregivers often encounter. OAR has a free publication, A Parent’s Guide to Research | Organization for Autism Research (available in English and Spanish), on its website that explains how to identify valid research.

Beware of personal testimonials claiming to cure or treat Autism.
These treatments have not been scientifically validated.