2.1 The importance of evidence for interventions

Before they are tried out, interventions should be evaluated in terms of their rationale, safety and likely chances of success. Careful evaluation of evidence is fundamental to the framework of sound clinical practice known as evidence-based practice. Whether altered behaviour or improved skills learned through an intervention will readily generalise i.e. carry over to contexts different from those where they were acquired, and whether they will apply to others with autism too, are further important considerations. Before looking at what goes into an evaluation, we will briefly consider the risks of intervening without adequate rationale or evidence.