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Across all sites and studies, the ultimate objective of the AIR-B is to deploy effective and sustainable evidence-based practices that will serve a broad community base and to improve outcomes for all children with ASD. We have identified four major tenants that guide us in these efforts:
1. Conducting research on evidence-based practices, with a particular emphasis on evaluating core deficits of social communication in children with ASD
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There is a critical need to develop effective methods for treating language and communication impairment in children with ASD. The AIR-B Network is conducting a number of trials focused on novel interventions to be delivered in underserved and under-represented community settings to reduce core deficits of children with ASD. |
2. Validating existing tools and developing evidence- based guidelines
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Parents and professionals need treatment guidelines that are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children with ASD. A major aim of the AIR-B Network is to use our collaborations to determine the evidence base of a wide collection of interventions addressing behavioral health. We are also creating tools and outcome measures that are practical and valid across a number of different contexts. Identifying how much improvement is necessary and how one measures improvement in a child with ASD is not a simple task, but by focusing on active ingredients of intervention, we are beginning to inform treatment guidelines. See our “Tools and Guidelines” page for more information. |
3. Disseminating information on research, guidelines and validated tools
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We have established and maintained on-going collaborations with community organizations to identify barriers to dissemination, implementation, and sustainability. Ultimately, we seek to inform both families and intervention professionals about important treatment targets and potential outcomes of intervention. Through this process, we hope to improve the prospect of effective matching of treatment specific to the individual. |
4. Training the next generation of autism researchers
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All of our partners are actively training new investigators in autism research. This training is aimed at undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doc fellows across a wide array of disciplines (Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Psychology, Speech and Language, Education, Neuroscience). |
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