The Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative, at York University, in Canada, is conducting a very rigorous study to explore the effectiveness of the model. We hope that they will share preliminary results of the first year intervention during our annual meeting in November 2008. Below is a brief description of the ongoing study:

Behavioral and Neurological Outcomes of Intensive DIR® Interventions for Autism: The study is unique among autism treatment studies in that it is one of the first to study not only behavioral/cognitive changes that occur as a result of treatment, but also neurophysiological changes that occur as well. 50 children, age 2;1 - 5;3, and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, are participating in DIR ® treatment which began October 30th, 2006. Participants were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment or 12-month delayed treatment group. Children in both groups will complete 24 months of DIR ® treatment. Assessments for all children were conducted prior to the start of treatment and will be conducted every 12 months during the course of the study (neurophysiological assessments are conducted every 6 months). The design of the study will allow us to determine:

1. The effectiveness of 12 months of intensive DIR ® treatment as compared with 12 months of non-intensive ABA-based treatment,

2. The magnitude of the gains made by children receiving 24 months of DIR ® treatment,

3. The neurophysiological changes that occur as a result of intensive treatment for autism.

For more information download descriptive poster or visit MEHRI