Oklahoma Autism Center for Applied Research and Training (OAC)
Over the past 12 years, the Oklahoma Autism Center has created an infrastructure for statewide research and professional development in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The mission of the Oklahoma Autism Center is to improve the quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder (and related disabilities) and their families by building capacity of public programs and other providers to offer effective services in Oklahoma. This mission has been accomplished through promoting the use of evidence-based practices in community and public agencies through education, training, and direct service to children and families. OAC offers comprehensive services for children with ASD and their families in the state and is connected to programs on a national level. The Oklahoma Autism Center specializes in early identification, early intervention, training, research, consultation and service provision. OAC currently includes: 1) Early Foundations: Autism Model and Outreach Project-a community based, inclusive model for early intensive intervention for toddlers at risk for ASD; 2) MESA Project- an in-depth training and on-site consultation for teachers, early interventionist and other school professionals; 3) Early Access- a statewide autism outreach and awareness campaign to improve early screening and connection to needed services. 4) Project DATA-an efficacy research project on an intervention model for toddlers and preschools with ASD in community and school-based settings; 5) Autism Workforce Initiative- replication of the Early Foundations model to provide early intervention in 3 Oklahoma counties; and 6) Oklahoma Combating Autism Leadership Council- coordinates a state level leadership team addressing ASD national priorities for young children. In 2019 over 2,000 educators and other professionals were involved in professional development activities including: statewide trainings, school district level trainings, individual student and teacher consultation and short-term internships.