Knowing what the evidence-based practices are is an important initial step.
But there's much more that goes into effective implementation
of evidence-based practices.
Implementation fidelity is a critical factor.
What does this mean?
Fidelity means implementing an intervention
in the same manner in which it was done in the evidence-based research.
It's kind of like following your grandma's chocolate chip cookie recipe.
If you substitute one ingredient for another, leave one out, or
do something in an incorrect order, you're not likely to get the same outcome.
To reach implementation fidelity,
the implementor needs to learn as much as possible about a particular practice.
They also need to determine if it's a good fit for the individual learner,
and the context in which the intervention will be implemented.
Then they need to identify the implementation steps, and
use the practice as it was intended.
In addition, they need to monitor their use
of the practice to ensure that they're not drifting from the fidelity of practice.
And data needs to be collected on the learner to ensure that the treatment or
intervention is having the desired effect.
In order to effectively implement evidence-based practices,
there must also be systems level support for the use of a practice.
This includes buy in and
administrative or leadership support of a particular practice.
Support for training and coaching for implementors.
The availability of materials and
resources that may be needed to implement a practice.
There must be a willingness to self evaluate, and
use learner data or fidelity checklists in order to make decisions.
And a willingness to be flexible when necessary, but
also to be stringent with the use of practices that are working.
The systems that we're referring to can be within a classroom or school setting.
They can be within a work training program,
or a community integration program.
Or they can be within a family home or family system.
No matter what the system, there needs to be a commitment and
support in order to effectively implement evidence-based practices.
With systems level support,
the implementation of evidence-based practices can happen.
And with the implementation of these practices, better outcomes can result.
>> We hope that you've enjoyed the foundations of autism spectrum
disorders class.
This class has provided you with an overview of some of the characteristics
and issues encountered by individuals on the autism spectrum.
This also provided you with information about evidence-based practices.
As research continues to provide us with additional cues about the causes in
potential treatments for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, we will
continue to find new ways of disseminating these findings to the community.
One way that we began to support broader dissemination is through our international
training program in neurodevelopmental disorders.
An estimated 300 million individuals worldwide
have a neurodevelopmental disorder.
And only a small percentage of healthcare professionals are familiar with these
conditions, and fewer still are expert in their treatment and support.
Our program educates our healthcare professionals from around the world in
the treatment and support of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
To learn more about the program, please check out the international training
program in neurodevelopmental disorders webpage on the MIND Institute website.