assessing its appropriateness for a specific student, and monitoring implementation and effectiveness. The article is available at www.autismnj.org.
call 800.4.AUTISM. Additional information is available in our Position Statement on Treatment Recommendations . As in the findings of the National Standards Project , those methods that are well researched, shown to be effective, and are therefore recommended by Autism New Jersey are based on principles of ABA and the related field of positive behavior support (PBS). Hundreds of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of techniques that fall under the large umbrella of ABA for teaching skills and reducing challenging behavior in individuals with autism. Studies have also documented greater improvement from ABA than from equally intensive eclectic treatment (a combination of various methodologies). The best available evidence clearly demonstrates that ABA is the current treatment of choice for autism. We use the analogy of red, yellow, and green lights to explain what the evidence says about specific treatment options. See the text box at the left for details. Again, while individual students may respond to a treatment that is not yet in the green light or established category, we are sharing what the research literature to date has documented. Use these resources to decide how to spend your students’ precious instructional time, and then follow through by monitoring progress with all interventions your school provides.
We at Autism New Jersey can also discuss treatment options and research when you
Autism New Jersey’s Position on Treatment Recommendations GREEN LIGHT (recommended): • Applied behavior analysis (ABA) • Subcategories include PBS, VB, PRT, DTI, NET, etc. (Call 800.4.AUTISM for details.) YELLOW LIGHT (proceed with caution): • More research needed • Developmental therapies • Music therapy (DIR ® /Floortime ™ , RDI ® , SCERTS ® , etc.) • Herbs and homeopathic • TEACCH treatments • Social stories • Most vitamin • Animal therapies supplement therapies • Art therapy • Preliminary evidence suggests ineffectiveness • Sensory integration therapy • Vitamin B6 with • Special diets magnesium • Preliminary evidence suggests significant risk • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy • Chelation RED LIGHT (proven ineffective): • Auditory Integration Training • Secretin • Facilitated Communication • Psychoanalysis
How Can Your School Support Students with ASD? What to Look for in the Classrooms
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The physical environment of the classroom can impact the education of students with ASD. One way to facilitate learning is to keep the classroom as calm and organized as possible. Designated areas for different activities, minimal distractions, and supportive visual cues can make the learning environment more comprehensible and
less overwhelming. Simple steps such as covering shelves with curtains and removing extraneous decorations may help students to focus on the lesson at hand. Consistency in staff expectations and routine may lead to quicker acquisition and stronger generalization of skills. Every professional
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