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National Autism Center Advances Evidence-Based Practices with Landmark Standards Project
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A leading nonprofit association is dedicated too improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through rigorous research and the dissemination of effective treatment strategies. The National autism Center, a center of May Institute, has established itself as a crucial resource for families, practitioners, and communities seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of ASD.
The National Autism Center operates from a extensive campus alongside May Institute’s corporate headquarters, the May Center School for Autism and developmental Disabilities, the May Center for ABA services, and a day Habilitation Program for adults with disabilities. This collaborative environment fosters a unique concentration of expertise, with over 40 doctoral- and master’s-level professionals dedicated to advancing the field. The Center also serves as an APA-approved internship site, attracting promising doctoral students from across the nation.
Pioneering the national Standards Project
In 2009, the National Autism Center undertook a groundbreaking multi-year initiative – the National Standards Project – to define a set of standards for effective, research-validated interventions for children with ASD. This project aimed to identify treatments that directly address the core symptoms of the disorder. According to a company release, the resulting National Standards Report quickly became the most comprehensive analysis of its kind, offering a single, reliable source of guidance for informed treatment decisions.
“The goal was to provide clarity and direction in a field often characterized by a wide range of approaches,” a senior official stated. “We wanted to ensure that families and professionals had access to the best available evidence.”
Expanding Research to Include Adults
Building on the success of the initial National Standards Project, the center released an updated review and analysis of ASD treatments in 2015. This report incorporated research conducted between 2007 and 2012, providing an updated assessment of the empirical treatment literature. Significantly, this update included the frist systematic evaluation of treatments for adults aged 22 and over – a population previously underserved by research efforts.
This expansion of research scope reflects a growing understanding of the lifelong impact of ASD and the need for tailored interventions across the lifespan. The National Autism Center continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and practice, empowering individuals with ASD and their families to pursue a better quality of life.
The Center’s work, guided by a Professional Advisory Board, underscores a commitment to evidence-based practice and a dedication to improving outcomes for the autistic community.
Why was the National Standards Project initiated? In 2009, the national Autism Center recognized a critical need for clarity and consistency in ASD treatment approaches. The field was fragmented,with a wide range of interventions lacking robust research support. The project was launched to establish a set of evidence-based standards for effective interventions.
Who was involved? The National Autism Center, a center of May Institute, spearheaded the initiative. A team of over 40 doctoral- and master’s-level professionals, along with a Professional Advisory Board, contributed to the research and analysis. The project also benefited from input from families and practitioners.
What did the project accomplish? the National Standards Project produced the National Standards Report, a comprehensive analysis of ASD treatments. This report identified interventions with strong empirical support, providing a reliable guide for informed treatment decisions. A subsequent update in 2015 expanded the scope to include adults with ASD.
How did it end? The project continues to evolve. The initial report in 2009 was followed by an updated review in 201
