TY - JOUR
T1 - Designing research studies on psychosocial interventions in autism
AU - Smith, Tristram
AU - Scahill, Lawrence
AU - Dawson, Geraldine
AU - Guthrie, Donald
AU - Lord, Catherine
AU - Odom, Samuel
AU - Rogers, Sally J
AU - Wagner, Ann
PY - 2007/2
Y1 - 2007/2
N2 - To address methodological challenges in research on psychosocial interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a model was developed for systematically validating and disseminating interventions in a sequence of steps. First, initial efficacy studies are conducted to establish interventions as promising. Next, promising interventions are assembled into a manual, which undergoes pilot-testing. Then, randomized clinical trials test efficacy under controlled conditions. Finally, effectiveness studies evaluate outcomes in community settings. Guidelines for research designs at each step are presented. Based on the model, current priorities in ASD research include (a) preparation for efficacy and effectiveness trials by developing manuals for interventions that have shown promise and (b) initial efficacy studies on interventions for core features of ASD such as social reciprocity.
AB - To address methodological challenges in research on psychosocial interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a model was developed for systematically validating and disseminating interventions in a sequence of steps. First, initial efficacy studies are conducted to establish interventions as promising. Next, promising interventions are assembled into a manual, which undergoes pilot-testing. Then, randomized clinical trials test efficacy under controlled conditions. Finally, effectiveness studies evaluate outcomes in community settings. Guidelines for research designs at each step are presented. Based on the model, current priorities in ASD research include (a) preparation for efficacy and effectiveness trials by developing manuals for interventions that have shown promise and (b) initial efficacy studies on interventions for core features of ASD such as social reciprocity.
KW - Autism
KW - Behavioral treatment
KW - Clinical trial
KW - Psychosocial intervention
KW - Single-subject design
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33847179509&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33847179509&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10803-006-0173-3
DO - 10.1007/s10803-006-0173-3
M3 - Article
C2 - 16897380
AN - SCOPUS:33847179509
VL - 37
SP - 354
EP - 366
JO - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
JF - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
SN - 0162-3257
IS - 2
ER -