Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions (Child & Adolescent)

Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions (Child & Adolescent) are defined by the CEBC as interventions to meet the needs of youth who have been diagnosed with a developmental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), due to an impairment in learning, language, communication, or behavior areas. Interventions may include behavior-based approaches that are focused on teaching children new behaviors and skills by using specialized, structured techniques; developmental approaches that help children form positive, meaningful relationships with other people; or a combination of both behavioral and developmental methods. Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions (Child & Adolescent) may differ in terms of timing and may target different age groups. Interventions can occur in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, other community settings, and health care settings, and may be delivered in family, group, or individual formats.

Programs included in this topic area may also be child welfare focused and include changes in the methods used to assess youth with developmental disorders for child welfare service planning and changes in the implementation of services to intervene with them. In addition, programs may include systems-based practices that are meant to increase the effectiveness of working with these youth, the availability of needed supports for those who work with this population, and the reduction of barriers between the multiple service systems to which these youth and families may be connected.

• Target population: Children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with a developmental disorder which can include Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Services/types that fit: Home, community- or school-based interventions, healthcare and outpatient services (either individual or group) that may include their parents and other family members, teachers, and other members of a youth's ecosystem
• Delivered by: Child and family serving professionals, including educators, mental health providers, physicians, community-based organizations, and advocacy organizations
• In order to be included: Program must specifically target developmental and/or autism spectrum disorders.
• In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines outcomes related to developmental and/or autism spectrum disorders, such as youth symptom levels, behaviors, and/or functioning or child welfare outcomes for families involving a child or adolescent in this population (e.g., placement stability).

Downloadable Topic Area Summary

The Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions (Child & Adolescent) topic area was added in 2021. Jessica Suhrheinrich, PhD was the topic expert and was involved in identifying and rating any of the programs with an original load date in 2021 (as found on the bottom of the program's page on the CEBC) or others loaded earlier and added to this topic area when it launched. The topic area has grown over the years and any programs added since 2021 were identified by CEBC staff, the Scientific Panel, and/or the Advisory Committee. For these programs, Dr. Suhrheinrich was not involved in identifying or rating them.