Continuum of Treatment Approaches for Children with Autism - Anna Dvortcsak, MS, CCC-SLP

There are a variety of educational interventions and techniques that are used to improve the outcomes for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Research suggests that there is evidence to support the effectiveness of educational interventions that vary in theoretical framework and implementation. Overlap between the techniques used in educational interventions that vary in theoretical framework has also been reviewed in the literature. The purpose of this presentation is to briefly review and compare the continuum of educational interventions (Behavioral and Developmental) for children with autism. Theoretical framework, defined techniques, and practical implementation of these interventions will be discussed. Treatment approaches that are considered hybrid will be reviewed. The intention of this review is to provide clinicians with basic information on interventions available, some of the components of these interventions, and an overview of the research on intervention techniques. It is not the intention to endorse or refute any of the interventions or to provide training in the implementation of these interventions.