Areas of Agreement about Effective Practices among Programs Serving Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

State early intervention and preschool special education staff, local service providers, and parents are increasingly concerned about the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This article describes a study conducted to ascertain commonalties and differences in critical program practices among nationally known, validated educational programs for young children with ASD. Areas of agreement among programs included early intervention, individualization, specialized curriculum, family involvement, systematic instruction, and intensity of engagement. Program elements considered important by some but not all programs included structured environment, developmentally appropriate practices, and interventions in settings with typical peers.