Implementing and Evaluating Community-Based Early Intervention

Session Chairs: Kristelle Hudry & Giacomo Vivanti Co-Leader (ECR): Melissa Maye While the standard of research evaluating efficacious early-intervention for autism has increased substantially, we are striving to progress evaluations of effectiveness to determine the real-world impact of community-based early-intervention (CBEI). Conducting rigorous research within community-based settings brings significant methodological challenges, and at our first SIG in 2015, we showcased the variety of studies currently underway around the world via a series of short presentations by 10 SIG members representing various groups and intervention models. These presentations and the subsequent discussion from the floor highlighted the variety of challenges inherent in conceptualising and executing CBEI research. In 2016, we will draw on the points raised at the 2015 SIG meeting and elaborate these through a series of invited presentations from SIG members. Group discussion will follow with the aim of defining a vision for the field and concrete steps for how to move forward.