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 FPG News Story
In 2023, two members of FPG, Director Brian Boyd, PhD, and Senior Research Scientist Sam Odom, PhD, were appointed to a 15-person committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) that would conduct an independent analysis of the Department of Defense’s Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). The committee was charged with examining utilization of the demonstration by TRICARE beneficiaries and providing an assessment of methods used under the demonstration, particularly in relation to assessing autism domains, measuring effectiveness of ABA, and adhering to guidelines and industry standards of care.
Drawing on a careful review of the scientific literature, the NASEM committee produced a new report that evaluates the Department of Defense’s Comprehensive ACD and whether ABA should be covered as a TRICARE Basic benefit.
Featured Person
2025 Abecedarian Award goes to FPG Technical Assistance Specialist Jessica Amsbary, PhD, who was instrumental in the development of the Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) for Toddlers, a groundbreaking online resource designed to support early intervention providers, early childhood educators, and caregivers that is used by more than 450,000 individuals worldwide.
In a letter of support, Ann Sam, PhD, who led the development of the original AFIRM modules, shared that Amsbary is an exceptional collaborator, saying she is compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families. “She leads with humility and purpose, always centering the voices of practitioners and families in her work. Her passion is contagious, and her colleagues often remark on her ability to bring people together around a shared vision for equitable, evidence-based early intervention.”
