Evidence Briefs
AFIRM briefs for the practices discussed on this site
The briefs below support the evidence-based practices mentioned across this site. All of them were prepared by the AFIRM team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. AFIRM stands for Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules, and is an extension of the National Professional Development Center on Autism.
Each brief contains step-by-step instructions, checklists for implementation and data collection, and the evidence base supporting the practice. Interventionists in schools, clinics, or homes can use them to learn the practice or to check fidelity of implementation.
These briefs are thorough and contain what a trained individual needs to plan and execute these practices. They are not a replacement for professional development, and they do not contain enough context or examples for an absolute beginner.
Reinforcement
Following a target behavior with a consequence that increases the likelihood it happens again.
Visual Supports
Schedules, organizers, and structured-teaching maps that support comprehension and independence.
Response Interruption & Redirection
Interrupting an interfering behavior and redirecting the learner to a more appropriate one.
Discrete Trial Training
Breaking a task into small, teachable chunks that a learner repeats until mastered.
AAC
Augmentative and alternative communication — giving non-speaking learners a means to communicate.
Briefs authored by the AFIRM Team, National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The full, current library is at afirm.fpg.unc.edu. Related: the NCAEP evidence-based practice database.
All briefs are the work of the AFIRM team and are available free (with a free account) at afirm.fpg.unc.edu. They are linked rather than hosted here because they are AFIRM's to distribute, not mine.
Sam, A., & AFIRM Team. (2015–2021). AFIRM modules. National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules