# What are the evidence-based practices for autism in schools?

> The 28 practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice, grouped for teachers, with where to start.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/evidence-based-practices-autism-schools
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) reviewed research published from 1990 to 2017 and identified 28 evidence-based practices for autistic children and youth. They include visual supports, prompting, reinforcement, social narratives, naturalistic intervention, peer-based instruction, video modeling and augmentative and alternative communication. Free AFIRM modules teach many of them.

**Key takeaways**
- NCAEP identified **28 evidence-based practices**.
- They include **visual supports, prompting, reinforcement** and **social narratives**.
- Choose practices that fit **each student's goals**.
- **AFIRM** offers **free training** modules.

## What are the 28 practices?

NCAEP's 2020 review identified 28 practices with evidence of effectiveness for autistic children and youth.[1] Grouped for teachers:

| Group | Practices |
| --- | --- |
| Structure and visuals | Visual supports, antecedent-based interventions, task analysis |
| Teaching | Prompting, time delay, modeling, video modeling, discrete trial training, direct instruction |
| Motivation | Reinforcement, differential reinforcement, behavioral momentum |
| Communication | Augmentative and alternative communication, functional communication training |
| Social | Social narratives, social skills training, peer-based instruction |
| Natural contexts | Naturalistic intervention, parent-implemented intervention |
| Self and wellbeing | Self-management, cognitive behavioral strategies, exercise and movement, music-mediated intervention |
| Understanding behavior | Functional behavioral assessment, extinction, response interruption and redirection |
| Technology and sensory | Technology-aided instruction, Ayres sensory integration |

## Where should a teacher start?

Many classrooms start with three:

1. **Visual supports**: schedules, first-then boards, labels
2. **Prompting**: giving just enough help, then fading it
3. **Reinforcement**: noticing and rewarding what you want to see

**Free training.** AFIRM's online modules walk through each practice with steps and examples.
  [2]

## How do I choose the right practice?

**Try:**
- Starting from the student's goal
- Choosing a practice with evidence for that goal
- Collecting simple data to check it's working

**Skip:**
- Programs promising to 'fix' autism
- Using a practice without training

Free printable: [Free printable: classroom pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/classroom-pack.pdf)

## What can I do this month?

- [ ] Complete one AFIRM module
- [ ] Match one student goal to a practice
- [ ] Try it for two weeks and review

## Common questions

### Where can I learn these practices for free?

AFIRM offers free online modules on many of the practices, with certificates.

### Do I need to use all 28?

No. Choose practices that match a student's goals. Many classrooms start with visual supports, prompting and reinforcement.

### Is ABA on the list?

The list names specific practices rather than broad approaches. Many of them, like prompting and reinforcement, come from behavioral science; others come from developmental and educational research.

## Sources

1. National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice: Research and resources. https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/research-and-resources/
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.