Schools bear the burden of funding the majority of the services received by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the assumption that spent resources will result in meaningful positive outcomes for these students. Interventions lacking empirical support remain popular in schools despite lacking or limited evidence that students will…

This report provides the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) with comprehensive information about the status of autism research funding among federal agencies and private research organizations in the U.S. This edition of the report features analysis of funding trends in autism research from 2008-2018, the first breakdown of the…

The purpose of this study was to begin the work of closing the current research-to-practice gap for evidence-based practices (EBP) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study looked at the professional wisdom side of the EBPs for ASD through the eyes of the professionals in the field of education. It provides more insight into how the EBPs are…

The present study examined proximal and distal barriers and supports within the Swedish service system that may affect implementation of early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for children with autism. A case study approach with roots in ethnography was chosen to explore this issue. Two preschools exemplifying "high quality…

Self-determination is the freedom to make choices that impact an individual's life. Many people would agree that self-determination leads to an enhanced quality of life, and choice making is considered a central element in self-determination. Most learn choice making through a gradual release of responsibility by caregivers throughout their…

Because of the increased prevalence of autism and current legislation mandates, public schools are increasingly responsible for educating students with autism. The current literature describes a variety of instructional methods that have been successful in educating these students. However, many educators are not exposed to this information. To…

Although research in autism has grown more sophisticated, the gap between research knowledge and applicability of research in real world settings has grown. There have been a number of different reviews of evidence-based practices of treatments for young children with autism. Reviews which have critically evaluated the empirical evidence have not…

This article uses a parable to compare qualitative (interpretive) and quantitative (experimental) methods in child language research. Two hypothetical young researchers both investigate question-asking behavior of children with autism. Five different possible endings to the parable illustrate various relationships among research approaches and…

This article introduces this special issue on functional assessment methods and their application to children and youth with autism. It traces the 30-year history of functional assessment and briefly summarizes each of the following articles, noting the common emphasis on social validity and using the science and technology of functional…

The one-page abstract summarizes "Brain Research: Implications for the Education of Exceptional Children," an ERIC Computer Search Reprint containing bibliographic information and abstracts of 115 documents. Citations are described in five sections: learning disabilities, autism, other learning handicaps, assessment techniques, and instructional…

This review of the research concerning developmental patterns of young children with autism finds specific patterns of relative strengths and weaknesses involving cognitive, emotional, linguistic, and motoric capacities. Early intervention strategies that address the unique learning profile of autism and utilize the effective practices developed…

This article discusses the need to connect research and policy in the education of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. It considers issues related to selecting and implementing use of research and evidence-based practices and the need for appropriately trained educational professionals. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Reviews the research and theory supporting the potential utility of measures of nonverbal social communication skills (such as joint attention) for young children with autism. Examples relate these types of measures to current issues, including the "recovery hypothesis," the "pivotal skill hypothesis," and the relative effectiveness of discrete…

Responding to an article (EC 618 445) describing an individualized program for young children with severe disabilities, including autism, and their families, this article notes features of the program such as its individualized nature, its emphasis on building capacity in families and early intervention providers, and its integrative practices…

This review of the literature synthesizes theory and research on the use of speech output communication aids to determine potential benefits for persons with autism. Although results suggest such aids are likely to be useful with this population, the paper urges research into the characteristics of synthetic speech in conjunction with the learning…