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FPG Director Odom Leads Special Session on Autism at International Research Conference

FPG Director Odom Leads Special Session on Autism at International Research Conference

November 19, 2014

Irish Media Cover Odom's Presentation

FPG director Samuel L. Odom traveled to Dublin to lead a special session on evidence-based programs for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for the annual research conference of Ireland's National Council on Special Education (NCSE).

Earlier this year, the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders released its much-anticipated update on evidence-based practices for children and youth with autism. FPG scientists spearheaded the project, screening 29,000 articles about autism spectrum disorder to locate the soundest research on interventions for children from birth to age 22.

“More children than ever are being diagnosed with autism,” said Odom, who co-headed the new review. “We’re catching them earlier, with better tools, and these children need the right services.”

“Some interventions may seem cutting-edge, but we don’t yet know if they have any drawbacks or trade-offs,” said FPG investigator Connie Wong, who co-headed the new review of research. “Our report only includes what’s tried and true.”

Kristine Ganley and Karen Berlin, training and technical assistance providers at George Mason University, heavily rely on the NPDC’s report on evidence-based practices to help people seeking professional development. “We don’t provide training on practices not included on it,” said Berlin.

According to Ganley and Berlin, before the NPDC published its comprehensive reviews of research, interventions for children with autism were much more controversial. “Internet searches returned as many different approaches as authors behind them, and mastery of any practice was rare,” said Ganley.

Applying more stringent criteria, the NPDC’s new report drops one evidence-based practice from the 24 identified in its 2008 review. After considering more studies this time, scientists also renamed and broadened one category, “technology-aided instruction,” and added 5 more, including “exercise” and “structured play groups.”

“Expanding the list offers more tools to educators and service providers,” said Ganley. “This improves outcomes for children with ASD.”

Not only does the NPDC’s report provide guidance for professionals, it also is an essential tool for families. “Parents often pay for interventions that have no evidence behind them, but this report will allow them to make the best choices,” he said.

In a press release for the NCSE's conference, Odom explained that the challenge now is to implement evidence-based practices widely. "In the absence of implementation, even the most effective intervention will not yield better outcomes."

Based in part on Odom's work, next year the NCSE will give formal policy advice to Ireland's Minister for Education and Skills on the education of students with ASD. As a result, his special session drew coverage from "The Pat Kenny Show" on Newstalk, a popular Irish current affairs program, as well as from the Irish Times.

Read the updated report on evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD

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