Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Program Philosophy

A major focus of the Severe Behavior Program within the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is to provide highly specialized services to children with developmental disabilities who display destructive behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, pica, property destruction). These problems occur in about 10% to 15% of children with autism, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. Such children displaying severe behavior problems may:

1. pose significant health risks to self and others
2. interrupt learning and development
3. cause immeasurable stress and hardship to families
4. be at risk for long term institutionalization

In order to circumvent or minimize the effect of these behaviors, it is the mission of the program to improve the quality of life for children with severe behavior disorders and their families by:

• providing the most advanced and comprehensive treatment services
• perpetuating the development and refinement of effective treatments through systematic clinical research
• promoting the widespread dissemination of effective treatment technologies through highly specialized training and consultation