Research at Brightway
Evidence-based practice requires evidence. And for 65+ years, we've helped create it.
What We Study
Our research focuses on strategies that produce measurable improvements—and on supporting the families and staff who make progress possible.
Teaching Methods & Behavioral Interventions
Motor imitation techniques, visual scripts for social initiations, prompt-fading strategies, incidental teaching, joint attention training, and approaches that reduce challenging behaviors, including aggression and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
Communication & Social Development
Joint attention with peers, developing peer relationships for children with autism, communication strategies for children with limited vocal skills, language acquisition, and reading readiness skills.
Family Support & Stress
Parental stress and coping strategies, family functioning in residential settings, parenting practices and attributions, couples' stress when raising a child with autism, sibling relationships and resilience, and barriers to accessing services like dental care.
Staff Training & Retention
Treatment integrity through technology, staff resilience, factors affecting staff retention, job satisfaction among direct care professionals, and effective training methods that translate to practice.