ASD Roadmap

Stories and Opinions about Science, Programs, and Outcomes for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Conditions

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How do you estimate the prevalence of ASD?

Estimating how many people have a rare and complex condition is a difficult task. The approach used by the Centers for Disease Control to select and evaluate a sample of children for ASD has raised important questions. Do these yield estimates that are reliable enough to begin to build on? Read more in this second chapter of a series, “Making prevalence relevant, again”, that re-interprets these data to identify specific strategies to close gaps in implementation.

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Adventures with Margot: A GoPro Hero of everyday fun

Some of the most incredible accomplishments of people with disabilities involve learning things everyone else takes for granted. In Chapter 2 of the adventures with my daughter Margot, I describe a video capturing how Margot has learned to have fun with us in the community.... Read more. 

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Defining core components of Transition Pathways

In Chapter 2 of the development of the Transition Pathways proposal, I describe how we define guideposts for different types of potential ASD college transition programs. What types of students would we seek to enroll (Had they already competed high school? Did they have the potential to complete a traditional matriculated program?). And what outcomes were we striving for (work, lifelong learning, community engagement, and independent living)? By continually adjusting these guideposts throughout the rest of the proposal development process, I could identify the best “fit” between different options given the resources available and the opportunities which began to emerge.  Read more.

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Implement, baby, implement!

After three decades and tens of millions of dollars spent on research, many people with autism and related conditions are seeing little or no benefit in their day to day lives.  Is traditional autism research becoming a bridge to nowhere? Read more.

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A new website about  ASD

Welcome to ASD Roadmap! Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on research over the last three decades, but many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) and related conditions are seeing little or no benefit in their day to day lives. We need programs and policies that draw on research, and research that is designed to improve programs and policies. We need programs that are not only effective, but that we can replicate and sustain. We need programs that everyone can access regardless of their background, and that we can scale up to reach everyone living with ASD. Through ASD Roadmap, I will offer a new perspective to help us to reach these goals. I describe simple steps to improving programs, and I draw straight lines from research to practice. Follow stories like (Adventures with Margot), and consider opinions like those expressed in Implement, baby, implement. Follow me to get updates about new stories and opinions as these are posted. Let me know what you think, and together we can inject new purpose into ASD research, programs, and policies! Peter Doehring, Ph.D., Founder and Director