Principal Investigator(s):
Megan Carpenter Ph.D., BCBA-D & Lydia Beahm, Ph.D., BCBA
Grant Type:
Applied Research
Funding:
49,914
Organization:
Clemson University
Year Awarded:
2025
Status:
In Progress
Location:
Clemson, South Carolina
Topics:
Social and Communication Skills; Education and School Aged Children; Behavior, Emotions, Mental Health; Miscellaneous
Abstract
This project aims to improve access to and effectiveness of existing systems and services (i.e., behavior support plans) by co-developing and co-delivering a virtual professional development series with autistic consultants for educators. The ECHO® Model will include eight sessions designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement socially valid function-based behavior support plans that improve the school experiences for students with autism. This 14-month study will be conducted in two phases. In phase 1, we will collaborate with autistic young adults to identify and define socially valid, evidence-based processes and practices for developing and implementing function-based behavior support plans. We will use this information to develop an eight-part professional development series for educators. Autistic consultants will review the series and provide feedback. In phase 2, educators will be invited to participate in the series to learn more about supporting students with autism and developing and implementing socially valid, evidence-based, function-based behavior support plans. We will collect social validity data from the autistic consultants and educators to ensure all interested parties positively perceive the training and practices.
