Problems and Perspectives in the Evidence-Based Approach Implementation in the ASD Support Regional Resource Centers

Abstract

The article presents the analysis of support services provided in RRCs (Regional Resource Centers for Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders). The authors provide 4 main principles of supporting services organization for individuals for autism spectrum disorders (ASD): integrative and multi-disciplinary approach, the use of the evidence- based practices, early start of interventions, continuity of assistance throughout life. Based on the monitoring results, the problem of the availability of standardized diagnostic methods, designed both to identify ASD and to provide the develop- mental assessment, was revealed. The use of the evidence-based interventions was reported in the majority of RRCs (75%), but their diversity is limited (in most cases, applied behavioral analysis interventions, sensory integration and alternative communication are used). In addition, well-established interventions are often used, however, they do not have sufficient scientific data to evaluate their efficiency. Individuals of different age groups have unequal access to interventions provided by RRCs: most RRCs work with children of preschool and primary school age. According to our results, psychological and educational professionals are most frequently represented in the RRCs. Medical specialists collaborate with less than a half of the RRCs, which may hinder interdisciplinary interaction in the support services for individuals with ASD.