Definintion and Recommendations
The Task Force concurred that for programs and services to be designated as a "best practice" for young children with autism, they must include:
- a continuum of services based on the needs of each child/family;
- ongoing support to families including:
- daily/weekly communication with early intervention/preschool staff,
- parent training and assistance in developing home programs,
- referrals to parent support groups and family support services, and
- an increased focus on the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and document;
- a statewide plan for the provision of training opportunities for professional and paraprofessional providers;
- evaluations that consider educational, developmental, and medical issues; and
- an appropriate number of hours of direct intervention services provided.
Specifically, the Task Force recommended that, after considering the focus of the desired outcomes, the age and developmental level of the child, developmentally appropriate practices, the needs of the family, the intensity and complexity of the child's needs, and the natural or least restrictive environment, the following amount of direct services should be provided to children with autism spectrum disorders:
- .children between the ages of birth and three years old should receive a minimum of 10-20 hours per week of direct intervention services; and
- children between the ages of three and five years old should receive a minimum of 15-30 hours per week of direct intervention services,
These recommendations are designed to assist local early intervention systems, local school systems, and families as they determine appropriate programs for young children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
