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Evidence-Based Interventions

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Handbook of Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

Our everyday lives contain numerous examples of the pursuit of quick fixes and fad treatments lacking objective research to support their use. The Internet is saturated with anecdotal stories of effectiveness and other false claims, which make it challenging to separate legitimate treatment options from offerings by “snake oil salesmen.” Humans are not immune to their effects. This phenomenon is commonly found in resources for autism treatment and can have devastating effects on consumers and families. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to describe different approaches to understanding phenomena (science, pseudoscience, and antiscience) and how to distinguish empirical evidence and evidence-based practice. A careful review of the criteria that constitute evidence-based practice is offered. The chapter also provides recommendations for practitioners to stay abreast of the scientific literature and presents a model for addressing implementation of unsubstantiated interventions. Helpful checklists and key questions for use in clinical practice accompany the chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Florence D. DiGennaro Reed, Matthew D. Novak, Amy J. Henley & Denys Brand

  2. Department of Specialized Programs in Education, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Mary E. McDonald

Authors
  1. Florence D. DiGennaro Reed
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  2. Matthew D. Novak
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  3. Amy J. Henley
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  4. Denys Brand
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  5. Mary E. McDonald
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Florence D. DiGennaro Reed .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, California, USA

    Justin B. Leaf

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DiGennaro Reed, F.D., Novak, M.D., Henley, A.J., Brand, D., McDonald, M.E. (2017). Evidence-Based Interventions. In: Leaf, J. (eds) Handbook of Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder . Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62995-7_9

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