Autism Spectrum Disorder and Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology

The article discusses current empirical evidence, also identifying gaps and areas for future research, for the three critical elements of evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) (evidence-based practice; client characteristics, preferences, and culture; and clinical expertise) as applied to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We contrast EBPP to a pure EBP approach, outline issues in specifying criteria and sources for defining EBP, and identify gaps in the evidence base (e.g., treatments for adults with ASD). We review the impact on treatment of specific client characteristics (client age, ASD severity, intellectual and language ability, diagnostic comorbidity, cultural/family factors) and outline critical issues affecting clinical expertise and decision making when choosing and adapting treatments. Implications for policy, training, and research are discussed.