Our Research team is continuously working to advance the most effective, evidence-based methods for teaching children with autism. Researchers present their studies and share findings with colleagues around the world in an effort to provide a deeper understanding of autism. Many direct-care staff engage in graduate research alongside our expert faculty.
Since its founding, NECC has led the way in autism research and evidence-based practices in education and behavior analysis. Our formal research program began in 1978 under Dr. Paul Touchette, followed by major contributions from Dr. Murray Sidman (1987) who established an on-site research lab, and Dr. Gina Green (1993), NECC’s first director of research.
In the following decades, NECC contributed groundbreaking peer-reviewed studies, collaborated with leading universities, and developed innovative tools like the Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia® (ACE) and ABAplus®. Our commitment to research is reflected in strong academic partnerships, publications, and the professional growth of staff. On-site graduate programs (in which many of our researchers serves as faculty) provide team members pathways to become BCBAs or credentialed teachers and respected leaders in the field.
With the 2016 opening of the John and Diane Kim Autism Institute and new initiatives like the Smigel Supersmile® Dental Clinic, we continue to expand our impact. From foundational work in stimulus control to shaping doctoral programs and online learning platforms, NECC’s research department embodies the mission: transforming the lives of children with autism through science and innovation.
2,660+
Research presentations
330+
Articles published
20+
Different countries
175+
BCBAs working at NECC
Early Markers of Autism
Over the last few years, NECC researchers have been documenting the early emergence of autism symptoms in high-risk infant siblings less than 6 months old. From this data, the team has developed an Early Markers of Autism (EMA) assessment tool for young infants and continues to research early intervention practices.
Learn More
Dental Desensitization
Children with autism can struggle with medical procedures, including dental exams. Knowing these challenges, NECC researchers created a dental desensitization protocol to prepare them for dental visits. The program was published on the ACE® and is used in our on-site, state-of-the-art Smigel Supersmile® Dental Clinic.
Read the Study
To learn more about ongoing scientific research being conducted by NECC staff, take a look at the latest issue of Research News.
Read now