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.

Peter Sturmey is Professor of Psychology at The Graduate Center and the Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York. He specializes in autism and other developmental disabilities, especially in the areas of applied behavior analysis, dual diagnosis, evidence-based practice, and staff and parent training. Professor Sturmey has published 32 edited and authored books, over 225 peer reviewed papers, over 80 book chapters and made numerous presentations nationally and internationally, including recent presentations in Canada, Brazil, Ireland and Italy. His research focuses on developing and evaluating effective and efficient ways of training caregivers using modelling and feedback to use applied behavior analysis with children and adults with autism and other disabilities.

Russell Lang Ph.D., BCBA-D is a Professor of Special Education and a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). He is the Director of the Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support at Texas State University. Dr. Lang has published four books as well as more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in the areas of applied behavior analysis, special education, developmental disability, and evidence-based practice standards. He currently serves as an Editor-in-Chief for Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and is Co-Editor-in-Chief of Evidence-Based Practices in Communication Assessment and Intervention. He serves on editorial boards of 12 peer-reviewed journals including American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and Learning Disabilities Quarterly. He is the former editor-in-chief of Developmental Neurorehabilitation and a former Associate Editor for Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities and Journal of Child and Family Science.

James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D is a licensed psychologist, diplomat in cognitive and behavioral psychology (ABPP), and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D). He is currently Director of Clinical Development and Research at Melmark New England and Adjunct Faculty within the School Psychology Program at William James College. Dr. Luiselli has published 19 books, 50 book chapters, and more than 280 journal articles in the areas of applied behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, performance improvement, professional training, and clinical practice. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Child and Family Studies, and on the Board of Editors of Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Mindfulness, and Clinical Case Studies.