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Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-Based Practices

Our core beliefs

The specific curriculum content and delivery at HANDS in Autism® is novel in its approach with specific alignment to the following core beliefs:

Strengths driven: A focus upon building strengths and successes for individuals with an emphasis on proactive planning and teaching practical skills (Iovannone, Dunlap, Huber, & Kincaid, 2003; National Research Council [NRC], 2001).
Collaborative: Delivery across caregivers and community stakeholders for consistency, coordination, and positive collaboration (Baker et. al., 2005; Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, 2005; Swiezy, Stuart, & Korzekwa, 2008).
Data-driven: A relationship to data-driven decision-making practices across all settings to affect best outcomes through systematic planning and individualization of efforts (Iovannone et al., 2003; NRC, 2001).
Scientifically-based: A basis from current research in special education, psychology, medicine, public health, and related fields with relevance to ASD, ID, DD, and related disabilities with a focus on the practical and effective blending of scientifically-based strategies (Horner, Carr, Strain, Todd, & Reed, 2002; Matson, Benavidez, Compton, Paclawskj, & Bagilo, 1996; National Autism Center [NAC], 2009; Odom et al., 2003).
Interactive: An incorporation of implementation and systems training research that indicate the need to appeal to varied learning styles (Fixsen, Naoom, Blase, Friedman, & Wallace, 2005) and more interactive strategies to ensure usage in naturalistic home, community, school, and clinical settings (McClannahan, & Krantz,1993; Joyce & Showers, 2002).
Practical and accessible: Delivery through accessible materials, training, technology, and consultative staff in efforts to decrease barriers, increase support, and improve implementation and utilization of the strategies taught.
Process-driven: An infusion with a fluid and integrated process for effectively working with all children/youth by incorporating data-driven strategies, research-based methods, collaboration, and individualized needs to develop effective programming (Iovannone et al., 2003; Kazdin, 2001; NRC, 2001).

Our history and philosophy

A closer look at the HANDS model

Our approach

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a research-based philosophy of working with individuals (not just individuals with autism) that applies to a range of strategies.

Some people equate ABA to specific methods (discrete trial training, intensive behavioral intervention, ABA therapy) rather than the broad-based meaning of the term. ABA relies on standard behavioral principles to address reduction of behavior as well as alternatives to the environment and teaching of appropriate skills to support reduction of behaviors. It also focuses on data-driven decision making in planning and implementing treatment plans.

HANDS in Autism® Diamond ABA is the core, empirically-supported approach that guides the choice of specific evidence-based strategies we use.

Our philosophy involves the blending of methodologies consistent with ABA and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. The HANDS in Autism® diamond demonstrates our approach. ABA is shown as the top of the diamond as it guides our overall approach and choice of strategies. Specific behavioral strategies are shown as the various facets of the diamond. The way in which the strategies are applied is tailored for each individual. While there are other evidence-based strategies not reflected in our diamond, those shown represent some of the primary approaches used in our program and/or those commonly used around the state.

Evidence-Based Practices

Our core beliefs

Our approach

HANDS in Autism® resources and social media channels