The Barkley Memorial Center Autism Project was developed to address the increasing needs in Nebraska for high-quality early identification and intervention services for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) through research on evidence-based interventions and assessment practices. There are two primary components that will be developed through the Autism Project. Project EXCEED will focus on effective and efficient early intervention services that integrate, and examine the practical application of, evidence-based, inclusive early childhood education practices and autism-specific practices embedded within established early childhood programs for young children with ASDs. The Social-Communication Assessment & Diagnostic Clinic will provide comprehensive, transdisciplinary assessment services for young children who, through screening by their primary pediatrician or health care professional, are determined to exhibit early risk factors of an ASD.

The Autism Project will focus on: 1) research examining the practical application of evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies for young children with ASDs; 2) pre-service education for University of Nebraska-Lincoln students pursuing careers in special education, early-childhood education, speech-language pathology, and related disciplines; and 3) evidence-based assessment and intervention services for young children with ASDs and their families.