Access to quality intervention
by Patricia
A lot of autism interventions have great outcomes, and these outcomes are published in quality, peer-reviewed journals. Most of these interventions are happening in highly controlled, resource rich settings. Universities, for example. Easter Seals strives to provide quality service and seeks professional development in best practices, but replicating interventions developed within a highly controlled setting like that can be challenging.
Implementation Science (also known as Type 2 Translational Research) is an emerging science that attempts to get those great research practices out into the field and conduct research in a manner that ensures that the practices can be conducted in the field. One of my favorite researchers interested in Implementation Science is David Mandell. Dr. Mandell presented his current research at last month’s International Society for Autism Research meeting in San Diego, and while he was there, Dr. Mandell took time out to film a video discussing Implementation Science with Alex Plank. Alex Plank founded WrongPlanet.net (a popular community for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism) after being diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Access to quality services and supports that promote the best outcomes must be available to all individuals living with autism. The field of autism interventions is rife with practices that have no evidence. Maybe if quality interventions were easily accessible, individuals with autism pursuing intervention wouldn’t be as distracted with those spurious claims made by so many. I so appreciate Dr. Mandell and Mr. Plank taking the time to discuss this topic. We all need to advocate for access to quality intervention.