Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, as well as their caregivers and service providers, is central to the work of FPG. Understanding developmental trajectories and the impact of a developmental disability on the individual, family, and broader community informs both theory and practice. High-quality intervention across the age range can ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families fully participate in their community in ways that are meaningful to them. FPG investigators have identified central features of high-quality intervention, such as family-focused programming, early childhood inclusion, and the use of identified evidence-based practices. They lead the field in translating scientific knowledge into practical information for teachers and service providers, and actively join their colleagues from implementation science in promoting adoption and use of effective intervention practices in schools, homes, and community settings.
Featured Resource
More Americans died of gun-related violence in 2021 than any other year on record, and thus, sadly, conversations about gun violence with autistic youth are likely necessary. The Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules project has released a Timely Toolkit to help guide these conversations.
Featured Project
The Child Find ACCESS project is a model demonstration to improve services and results for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. The project is designed to address ongoing challenges experienced by states in identifying infants and toddlers needing early intervention services, which has resulted in persistent racial inequities and disparities in identification rates.
Featured Person
While the research portfolio of UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Faculty Fellow Brianne Tomaszewski, PhD, includes a wide range of projects, a focus on supporting the autonomy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is central to all her work.