The increasing availability of behavior analytic services for individuals with autism is addressing a critical service gap, yet a significant portion of providers are relatively new to the practice, presenting unique challenges and opportunities to the field. Every service delivery model, whether a school, clinic, or consultancy, needs mechanisms to ensure that providers are relying on best practice informed by research, teaching socially relevant and important skills to learners, and contributing to the growth and development of its service providers along the way. This presentation explores the pillars of a strong clinical service delivery model situated in a school for learners with autism. Those pillars include an ecosystem for professional development and research, both of which then offer the opportunity for continuous program improvement; a system for identifying and teaching important skills that relies on the principles of behavior analysis; and a well-considered set of logistical practices that are specifically designed to meet the needs of learners with autism. This presentation highlights NECC's commitment to evidence-based practices and its ongoing contributions to advancing autism education.
Target Audience: Physicians (psychiatrists, pediatricians, child neurologists), psychologists, social workers, other mental health clinicians and researchers, and students and trainees.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe two important roles that research plays in practice.
- Identify 3 important practices that each autism service provider should consider incorporating into their service delivery.
- Describe a process for identifying socially important skills for learners with autism.