Princeton Child Development Institute

Abstract

The Princeton Child Development Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in 1970, provides behavioral intervention for people with autism. Services are provided in an early intervention program, in preschool and school, in community-based group homes, in families’ own homes, and in a program for adults that features life skills and supported, competitive employment. All phases of PCDI’s programs are based on behavior analysis, including educational services, staff mentoring and evaluation, and program administration. Ongoing research assesses new intervention strategies that are immediately implemented to ameliorate skill deficits and behavior problems. Technology dissemination is an important aspect of the Institute’s endeavors, and there is continuing examination of variables relevant to program replication. Clinical data are supported by measures of interobserver agreement, and annual program evaluations by outside experts in behavior analysis show that 80% to 100% of all preschool and school instructional programs produce desired behavior change. PCDI has been recognized as an “enduring program in behavior analysis.�