National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC): What Are Evidence-Based Practices?

Description:

Many interventions exist for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, scientific research has found only some of these interventions to be effective. The interventions that researchers have shown to be effective are called evidence-based practices (EBPs). One reason for using EBPs is because, by law, teaching practices must be based on evidence of effectiveness.

What EBPs have been identified?

The NPDC used a rigorous criteria to classify 27 focused interventions as EBPs in 2014. The 27 identified EBPs have been shown through scientific research to be effective when implemented correctly with students with ASD. The NPDC is currently developing online modules, called AFIRM, for each of the 27 identified practices.

We are currently in the process of updating the systematic review through 2017 as part of the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP).