ABSTRACT
The development of an evidence-based, cost-effective, and easily disseminated form of intensive intervention for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) is a major priority for both the health and education systems in this country. The most recent prevalence estimate for ASD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is 1 in 110 children (CDC, 2007). According to the National Research Council (NRC) (cited in Lord, Bristol-Power, & Cafierol, 2001), these children need intensive intervention—25 hours per week of engaging, comprehensive intervention with a high 1:1 or 1:2 adult-to-child ratio—which most states do not provide because (1) there is a national shortage of trained personnel, (2) such interventions when provided by professionals are very expensive ($25–60K annually) and (3) a cost-effective model has not yet been developed and tested for national distribution. The unmet national need is enormous.
