Skip to main content

Evidence-Based Practice and Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Empowering Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This chapter presents key research on the use of evidence-based practice for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The chapter is divided into two primary sections. In the first half of the chapter, evidence-based practice is defined, followed by a discussion of the classification of practice and types of evidence for students with ASD. The importance of evidence-based practice and the research on complementary and alternative medicines for children with ASD are examined. Guidelines are then presented for parents and professionals to consider when selecting practices and interventions for their children with ASD. The second half of the chapter highlights research on the use of effective school practices and programs for students with ASD in schools settings. The research on effective school practices and interventions is outlined followed by a discussion of key legislative, pedagogical, and organisational initiatives that help to shape inclusive school programs for students with ASD.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Akins, R. S., Angkustsiri, K., & Hansen, R. L. (2010). Complementary and alternative medicine in autism: An evidence-based approach to negotiating safe and efficacious interventions with families. Neurotherapeutics, 7, 307–319. doi:10.1016/j.nurt.2010.05.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders. (2012). Education and autism spectrum disorders in Australia: The provision of appropriate educational services for school-age students with autism spectrum disorders in Australia. Retrieved from http://www.autismadvisoryboard.org.au/uploads/file/pdfs/Education%20Position%20Paper%20Final%202010%20Final.pdf

  • Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2011). The Australian curriculum. Sydney, Australia: ACARA Administration. Retrieved from http://acara.edu.au/curriculum/general_capabilities.html

  • Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The shape of the Australian curriculum 4.0. Retrieved from http://acara.edu.au

  • Australian Government. (2006). Disability standards for education 2005. Canberra, Australia: Commonwealth Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boutot, E. A., & Dukes, C. (2011). Evidence-based practices for educating students with autism spectrum disorders. In E. A. Boutot & B. S. Myles (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders: Foundations, characteristics, and effectives strategies (pp. 68–92). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunsen, T. D. (2002). Quality indicators of best practices: A guide for educators. In R. Gabriels & D. Hill (Eds.), Autism: From research to individualized practice (pp. 179–202). London: Jessica Kingsley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Callahan, K., Henson, R. K., & Cowan, A. K. (2008). Social validation of evidence-based practices in autism by parents, teachers, and administrators. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 678–692. doi:10.1007/s10803-007-0434-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christon, L. M., Mackintosh, V. H., & Myers, B. J. (2010). Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 249–259. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crockett, J. B. (2002). Special education’s role in preparing responsive leaders for inclusive schools. Remedial and Special Education, 23, 157–168. doi:10.1177/07419325020230030401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosland, K., & Dunlap, G. (2012). Effective strategies for the inclusion of children with autism in general education classrooms. Behavior Modification, 36, 251–269. doi:10.1177/0145445512442682.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, G., & Osterling, J. (1997). Early intervention in autism. In M. Guralnick (Ed.), The effectiveness of early intervention (pp. 307–326). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dempsey, I. (2012). The use of individual education programs for children in Australian schools. Australasian Journal of Special Education, 36, 21–31. doi:10.1017/jse.2012.5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durocher, J. S. (2011). Assessment for the purpose of instructional planning for students with autism spectrum disorders. In A. E. Boutot & B. S. Myles (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders: Foundations, characteristics, and effective strategies (pp. 34–67). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, 20 U.S.C. Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-89/pdf/STATUTE-89-Pg773.pdf

  • Fixsen, D. L., Blase, K. A., Metz, A., & Van Dyke, M. (2013). Statewide implementation of evidence-based programs. Exceptional Children, 79, 213–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., & Friedman, R. M. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature (FMHI Publication No. 231). Tampa, FL: University of South Florida/Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute/National Implementation Research Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, B., Hurley, E., & Goth, T. (2015). Choosing autism interventions: A research-based guide. Brighton, UK: Pavilion Publishing and Media.

    Google Scholar 

  • Franzone, E. L., Kucharczyk, S., Sullivan, L., & Szidon, K. (2012). Facilitating the use of evidence-based practices in classrooms: The National Professional Development Center model. In P. Mundy & A. M. Mastergeorge (Eds.), Educational interventions for students with autism (pp. 131–154). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gargiulo, R. M., & Metcalf, D. (2013). Teaching in today’s inclusive classrooms: A universal design for learning approach (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goin-Kochel, R. P., Myers, B. J., & Mackintosh, V. H. (2007). Parental reports on the use of treatments and therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1, 195–209. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2006.08.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, G. (1996). Evaluating claims about treatments for autism. In C. Maurice, G. Green, & S. C. Luce (Eds.), Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals (pp. 15–28). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, G. (2008). Evidence-based practice: Improvement or illusion. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Autism Conference, Atlanta, GA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guldberg, K. (2010). Educating children on the autism spectrum: Preconditions for inclusion and notions of ‘best autism practice’ in the early years. British Journal of Special Education, 37, 168–174. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8578.2010.00482.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoppey, D., & McLeskey, J. (2010). A case study of principal leadership in an effective inclusive school. The Journal of Special Education, 46, 245–256. doi:10.1177/0022466910390507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R., Sugai, G., Smolkowski, K., Eber, L., Nakasato, J., Todd, A. W., et al. (2009). A randomized, wait-list controlled effectiveness trial assessing school-wide positive behavior support in elementary schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 133–144. doi:10.1177/1098300709332067.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., Carr, E. G., Halle, J., McGee, G., Odom, S., & Wolery, M. (2005). The use of single-subject research to identify evidence-based practice in special education. Exceptional Children, 71, 165–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, U.S.C. 1401(3)(A). (2004). Retrieved from http://idea.ed.gov/download/statute.html

  • Iovannone, R., Dunlap, G., Huber, J., & Kincaid, D. (2003). Effective educational practices for students with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18, 150–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (2011). Introduction to single-case research and ABAB designs. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), Single-case research designs (2nd ed., pp. 121–143). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keen, D., Couzens, D., Muspratt, S., & Rodger, S. (2010). The effects of a parent-focused intervention for children with a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder on parenting stress and competence. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 229–241. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keen, D., & Rodger, S. (2012). Working with parents of a newly diagnosed child with an autism spectrum disorder. London: Jessica Kingsley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keen, D., Webster, A., & Ridley, G. (2015). How well are children with autism spectrum disorder doing academically at school? An overview of the literature. Autism. doi:10.1177/1362361315580962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence-Brown, D. (2004). Differentiated instruction: Inclusive strategies for standards-based learning that benefit the whole class. American Secondary Education, 32, 34–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levy, S. E., & Hyman, S. L. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 24, 117–143. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, S. G., & Batts, K. (2005). How to implement differentiated instruction? Adjust, adjust, adjust. Journal of Staff Development, 26, 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lilley, R. (2012). It’s an absolute nightmare: Maternal experiences of enrolling children diagnosed with autism in primary school in Sydney, Australia. Disability and Society, 28, 514–526. doi:10.1080/09687599.2012.717882.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lipsky, D. K., & Gartner, A. (1997). Inclusion and school reform: Transforming America’s classrooms. Baltimore: Paul H.Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, S. L., & Irvine, A. N. (2009). Inclusive education and best practice for children with autism spectrum disorder: An integrated approach. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 13, 845–859. doi:10.1080/13603110802475518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackintosh, V. H., Goin-Kochel, R. P., & Myers, B. J. (2012). “What do you like/dislike about the treatments you’re currently using?”: A qualitative study of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 27, 51–60. doi:10.1177/1088357611423542.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackintosh, V. H., Myers, B. J., & Goin-Kochel, R. P. (2005). Sources of information and support used by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 12, 41–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., Adams, H. L., Williams, L. W., & Rieske, R. D. (2013). Why are there so many unsubstantiated treatments in autism? Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7, 466–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayton, M. R., Wheeler, J. J., Menendez, A. L., & Zhang, J. (2010). An analysis of evidence-based practices in the education and treatment of learners with autism spectrum disorders. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 45, 539–551.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, M. E., Pace, D., Blue, E., & Schwartz, D. (2012). Critical issues in causation and treatment of autism: Why fads continue to flourish. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 34, 290–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meo, G. (2008). Curriculum planning for all learners: Applying universal design for learning (UDL) to a high school reading comprehension program. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 52, 21–30. doi:10.3200/PSFL.52.2.21-30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mesibov, G. B., Shea, V., & McCaskill, S. (2012). Structured teaching and the TEACCH program. In D. Zager, M. L. Wehmeyer, & R. L. Simpson (Eds.), Educating students with autism spectrum disorders (pp. 99–112). New York: Taylor & Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, V. A., Schreck, K. A., Mulick, J. A., & Butter, E. (2012). Factors related to parents’ choices of treatments for their children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 87–95. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2011.03.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mrozowicz, E. A. (2009). ‘Leader practices in an elementary school effectively serving a diverse student population, specifically students with autism spectrum disorder’ (Doctoral dissertation, Saint Louis University). (UMI No. 3404023).

    Google Scholar 

  • Myles, B., Grossman, B., Aspy, R., & Henry, S. (2009). Planning a comprehensive program for young children with autism spectrum disorders. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 1, 164–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Autism Center. (2011a). Evidence-based practice and autism in the schools. Retrieved from http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/learning/ed_manual.pdf

  • National Autism Center. (2011b). A parent’s guide to evidence-based practice and autism. Retrieved from http://www.ids-wi.com/images/Natl_Autism_Center_Parent_Manual.pdf

  • National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and conclusions: National standards project phase 2. Retrieved from http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/national-standards-project/phase-2

  • National Research Council. (2001). Educating children with autism. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Odom, S. L., Collet-Klingenberg, L., Rogers, S. J., & Hatton, D. D. (2010). Evidence-based practices in interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Preventing School Failure, 54, 275–282. doi:10.1080/10459881003785506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odom, S. L., Cox, A. W., & Brock, M. E. (2013). Implementation science, professional development, and autism spectrum disorders. Exceptional Children, 79, 233–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, A., & Condilac, R. (2003). Evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Review of the literature and practice guide. Toronto, ON: Children’s Mental Health Ontario.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, E. (2008). When parents aren’t enough: External advocacy in special education. The Yale Law Journal, 117, 1802–1853.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poed, S., & Keen, D. A. (2009). Reasonable adjustment? The intersection between Australian disability discrimination legislation and parental perceptions of curriculum adjustments in Queensland schools. In B. Garrick, S. Poed, & J. Skinner (Eds.), Educational planet shapers: Researching, hypothesising, dreaming the future (pp. 81–96). Brisbane, Australia: PostPressed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Positive Partnerships. (2014). Fact Sheet: Using evidence to guide decision making. Retrieved from http://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/en/fact-sheet/using-evidence-guide-decision-making

  • Prior, M., Roberts, J. M. A., Rodger, S., Williams, K., & Sutherland, R. (2011). A review of the research to identify the most effective models of practice in early intervention of children with autism spectrum disorders. Canberra, Australia: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Raising Children Network (Australia) Limited. (2015). Therapies & interventions articles. Retrieved from http://raisingchildren.net.au/therapies_interventions/autism_therapies.html

  • Research Autism. (2015). Our evaluations of autism interventions, treatments and therapies. Retrieved from http://researchautism.net/autism-interventions/our-evaluations-interventions

  • Riehl, C. J. (2000). The principal’s role in creating inclusive schools for diverse students: A review of normative, empirical, and critical literature on the practice of educational administration. Review of Educational Research, 70, 55–81. doi:10.3102/00346543070001055.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salomone, E., Charman, T., McConachie, H., & Warreyn, P. (2015). Prevalence and correlates of use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with autism spectrum disorder in Europe. European Journal of Pediatrics, 174, 1277–1285. doi:10.1007/s00431-015-2531-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlosser, R. W., & Sigafoos, J. (2008). Identifying ‘evidence-based practice’versus ‘empirically supported treatment’. Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2(2), 61–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, R. L. (2005). Evidence-based practices and students with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20, 140–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, R. L., deBoer-Ott, S. R., & Smith-Myles, B. (2003). Inclusion of learners with autism spectrum disorders in general education settings. Topics in Language Disorders, 23, 116–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, T. D., Detrich, R., & Slocum, T. A. (2012). Evidence-based practice: A framework for making effective decisions. Education and Treatment of Children, 35, 127–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson, J., Carter, M., & Kemp, C. (2012). Quality of the information on educational and therapy interventions provided on the web sites of national autism associations. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 11–18. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.08.002

  • Stephenson, J., Carter, M., & O’Neill, S. (2013). Evidence-based practices in Australia. Evidence-Based Practices, 26, 273–291. doi:10.1108/S0735-004X(2013)0000026014.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stichter, J. P., Randolph, J., Gage, N., & Schmidt, C. (2007). A review of recommended social competency programs for students with autism spectrum disorders. Exceptionality, 15, 219–232. doi:10.1080/09362830701655758.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., & Horner, R. (2002). The evolution of discipline practices: School-wide positive behavior supports. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 24, 23–50. doi:10.1300/J019v24n01_03.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trainor, A. A. (2010). Diverse approaches to parent advocacy during special education home-school interactions: Identification and use of cultural and social capital. Remedial and Special Education, 31, 34–47. doi:10.1177/0741932508324401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vyse, S. (2005). Where do fads come from? In J. Jacobson, R. Foxx, & J. Julick (Eds.), Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities: Fad, fashion, and science in professional practice (pp. 3–16). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster, A. A. (2016). Utilising a leadership blueprint to build capacity of schools to achieve outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder. In G. Johnson, & N. Dempster (Eds.), Leadership for learning and effective change (pp. 109–128). Melbourne, Australia: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, S. E. (2014). Special education complaints filed by parents of students with autism spectrum disorders in the midwestern United States. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 29, 80–87. doi:10.1177/1088357613478830.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitehouse, A. J. (2013). Complementary and alternative medicine for autism spectrum disorders: Rationale, safety and efficacy. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 49, E438–E442. doi:10.1111/jpc.12242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, C., Odom, S. L., Hume, K., Cox, A. W., Fetting, A., Kucharczyk, S., et al. (2014). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina/Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute/Autism Evidence-Based Practice Review Group. Retrieved from http://fpg.unc.edu/sites/fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/reports-and-policy-briefs/2014-EBP-Report.pdf

  • Zaretsky, L., Moreau, L., & Faircloth, S. (2008). Voices from the field: School leadership in special education. The Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 54, 161–177.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Appendix A

Appendix A

Autism Organisations and Reports on Empirically-supported Practices

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Webster, A., Cumming, J., Rowland, S. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: Empowering Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2084-1_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2084-1_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-2082-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-2084-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics