From Research to Practice: Toward the Examination of Combined Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Eric Bart London; Jiyeon Helen Yoo

doi:10.3390/brainsci11081073

From Research to Practice: Toward the Examination of Combined Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Brain Sci. 2021 Aug 16;11(8):1073. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11081073.

Authors

Eric Bart London¹, Jiyeon Helen Yoo¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road Staten Island, New York, NY 10314, USA.

Abstract

The use of biological (i.e., medications) in conjunction with applied behavior analysis is relatively common among people with ASD, yet research examining its benefit is scarce. This paper provides a brief overview of the existing literature on the combined interventions, including promising developments, and examines the existing barriers that hinder research in this area, including the heavy reliance on RCTs. Recommendations for possible solutions, including the creation of health homes, are provided in order to move toward a more integrated approach.

Keywords: antipsychotic medications; applied behavior analysis; autism spectrum disorder; combined intervention; health home; psychopharmacology; research designs.