Autism and the implications of evidence-based research for therapeutic interventions in young peopleThe field of autism continues to expand be an evolving and dynamic theme of exploration and research for professionals in the medical and educational fields. , behavior and social sciences. Research around evidence-based therapies in these areas guides professional practice, interventions, programs, and long-term care for people with autism. A review of research studies published over the past five years on the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports in managing the behaviors of students with autism in educational settings will be presented as part of this article. The review of each research study will cover the purpose of the study, the questions the research study aims to answer, the sample studied, the experimental or research design used in the study and finally the tests statistics used to derive research. results. The Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2009) published the article Updating a meta-analysis of intervention research with challenging behavior: Treatment validity and standards of practice, which reviews previous research regarding best practices and success rates of different strategies to combat difficult behavior in children with intellectual disabilities. Authors Shane Harvey, Diana Boer, Luanna Meyer, and Ian Evan sought to conduct an in-depth systematic meta-analysis of the published literature on research studies regarding problem behaviors in children with intellectual disabilities. Harvey, Boer, Meyer, and Evans attempt to reproduce as closely as possible a study first published about two decades ago on a...... middle of article......y, ST, Boer , D., Meyer, LH and Evans, IM (2009). Updated meta-analysis of intervention research on challenging behaviors: Treatment validity and standards of practice [Abstract]. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 34(1), 67-80. doi:10.1080/13668250802690922Kraemer, BR, Cook, CR, Browning-Wright, D., Mayer, GR, & Wallace, MD (2008). Effects of training on the use of the Behavioral Support Plan Quality Assessment Guide with autism educators: A preliminary investigation examining positive behavioral support plans. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, 10(3), 179-189. doi:10.1177/1098300708318796National Autism Center (2009). Draft National Standards – Addressing the Need for Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorders (978-0-9836494-2-7). Retrieved May 26, 2012 from http://nationalautismcenter.org