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As a policy, CARD will not lend its name to the
endorsement of any specific program, practice, or model that
is offered for service to people with autism and related
disabilities. This policy does not preclude the provision of
referral options or individualized recommendations by CARD
staff, nor does it imply that CARD staff are to refrain from
sharing any knowledge or personal experiences. The sharing
of information, training, and the development of
recommendations are key functions of the CARD programs.
This policy is based on the following rationales:
- CARD recognizes that people who have autism, autism
spectrum disorder, or a disability that is related to
autism comprise a diverse population of individuals.
Although they may share a diagnosis, each individual
possesses a variety of unique strengths, challenges, and
learning characteristics. Furthermore, each individual's
life is influenced by factors associated with an
idiosyncratic ecology and social-familial context. These
personal and environmental factors underscore the
importance of individualization as a necessary and
pervasive consideration in the development of
intervention and support programs.
- CARD recognizes that the cause(s) of autism are
unknown and that there is no single intervention
(treatment) that has been demonstrated to be effective in
curing autism. Although appropriate and individualized
interventions have been shown to be very helpful, and
although progress is occurring at a steady rate, autism
is considered to be a lifelong disability.
- CARD recognizes that the syndrome of autism has been
associated with a tremendous number and diversity of
interventions (treatments) representing a vast range of
professional disciplines and philosophical orientations.
These interventions are supported by varying amounts of
data in the empirical research literature and/or by case
descriptions, and/or anecdotal testimonials. Although
some interventions are complementary, many current
practices have approaches or conceptual models that are
distinctly incompatible with one another.
- CARD asserts that there are general strategies and
principles that comprise current "best practices" for
people with autism and related disabilities. However,
CARD also recognizes that there is no single program
practice, program or model that can be regarded as the
most appropriate option for all individuals. The most
effective and appropriate program of intervention
(treatment) and support must be defined on the basis of
numerous variables including: (a) the person's
idiosyncratic strengths, needs, desires, and learning
characteristics; (b) the preferences and attributes of
the person's family and relevant caregivers; (c) the
programs and other resources that are available or that
can be developed in the community; and (d) the relevant
information pertaining to the effectiveness and
efficiency of alternative programs, interventions, and
supports. Current best practice is not a set of
procedures but an ever changing and increasing body of
knowledge based on research, experience, understanding,
and values.
- CARD is committed to an individualized approach that
addresses the specific needs of people with autism and
related disabilities, their families, and support
providers. Furthermore, CARD recognizes that the formal
endorsement of any specific program, model, or practice
can be regarded as inconsistent with this commitment and
that such an endorsement can be regarded as disrespectful
of alternatives that might be preferred by, and most
appropriate for, some constituents.
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CARD is a support program of the
state of Florida that operates out of five university
locations: University of South Florida - Tampa;
Florida State University - Tallahassee; University of
Florida - Gainesville; University of Florida -
Jacksonville; University of Miami - Miami. CARD
provides support, training, and assistance for
families, professionals, and individuals affected by
autism and related disabilities, including but not
restricted to: pervasive developmental disorder,
PDD-NOS, autism spectrum disorder, dual sensory
impairment (deaf-blindness), and sensory impairment
accompanied by other disabilities.
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