Lifespan Treatment for Autistic Individuals: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practices

In a world filled with hundreds of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) treatments, it is crucial to distinguish between evidence-based practices and ineffective and potentially harmful pseudoscientific approaches. For the former, we know what outcomes to expect, how to deliver procedures with fidelity and, ideally, costs of implementation versus benefits. Unfortunately, many treatments have not been similarly evaluated and the potential for wasted resources and direct harm to patients remains unknown. Interpreting ASD treatment research is complicated by differences in research norms across disciplines, competing theoretical underpinnings, and misleading information available from media sources. Overall, these issues contribute to a gap between the outcomes demonstrated in scientific studies and what is achieved in applied settings (e.g., schools, homes and clinics).

Lifespan Treatment for Autistic Individuals guides professional practitioners in the selection of treatments that are procedurally and ethically best suited for their individual clients. As systematic reviews, authoritative statements, and new practice guidelines continue to emerge but are usually nested within specific disciplines, this meticulously curated volume bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application in the realms of psychology, education, and medicine. Chapter authors detail the application of included treatment approaches by providing a concise description, and essential elements and considerations for each option. Systematically identified treatment approaches are evaluated against EBP standards by recognized experts absent any proprietary or conflicting interests in the treatment. Within these pages, the editors offer content designed to empower a wide range of scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders interested in enduring positive and efficient treatment outcomes for ASD.