Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is a
large-scale behavior-analytic organization committed to the
effective treatment of children with autism. Following the
principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, CARD develops
individualized assessment and treatment plans. CARD was established
15 years ago and currently has 14 US-based offices and 3
international offices. The CARD Research team is committed to
science as the most objective and reliable approach to evaluating
effective treatments for autism. Our mission is to conduct
empirical research on assessments and treatments for autism and to
disseminate our research findings and derived technology through
publication and education of professionals and the public. A number
of barriers impede the evaluation of clinical services including
problems associated with experimental design, measuring accuracy of
data collection, and treatment integrity. The purpose of the
current presentation is to describe our efforts toward program
evaluation and related research activities in a clinical agency. In
order to address problems associated with these efforts, a
scientist-practitioner model has been adopted and will be
described. Preliminary outcome data will also be presented as well
as suggestions for pursuing research endeavors in a
service-delivery setting.