Evidence Base for Project ImPACT – August 2025
ImPACT Update
Issue: August 2025
This Issue’s Focus: The Robust Evidence Base of Project ImPACT
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the ImPACT Update, our new monthly newsletter! We’re thrilled to launch this resource, aimed at keeping you informed of the current evidence base, clinical applications, and resources that can help you effectively implement Project ImPACT. Going forward, each month will feature a specific theme, highlighting a recent article relevant to Project ImPACT. This month, we’re kicking things off with an overall summary of the current evidence base, drawing from over 60 research studies that support the program’s efficacy.
In this issue, you’ll find:
-
Research Spotlight:
An infographic summarizing the cumulative research findings and their implications for practice. -
Practice Notes:
Actionable strategies for integrating evidence-based practices and addressing common clinician questions. -
Announcements:
Important updates on upcoming offerings, new resources, and opportunities to engage with the Project ImPACT community.
Research Spotlight
Research Spotlight
Project ImPACT: A Decade of Evidence-Based Intervention
Project ImPACT is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) that has garnered growing empirical support for improving social communication in young autistic children. It combines best practices in parent coaching with elements designed to support community implementation. This spotlight synthesizes the main evidence base for Project ImPACT:
Study Snapshot
What has been done?
What has been done?
The evidence base for Project ImPACT is built upon a foundation of rigorous research methodologies, including multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, single-case experimental designs (SCEDs), and qualitative studies.
Who has been involved?
Who has been involved?
Collectively, research on Project ImPACT has involved hundreds of parent-child dyads from various geographical regions and socioeconomic backgrounds coached by providers from a range of disciplines. Participants have included children typically aged 2 to 8 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), representing a broad range of developmental levels. A significant proportion of studies have focused on underserved communities, demonstrating the program’s accessibility and effectiveness across diverse populations.
What has been measured?
What has been measured?
- Child Communication & Language: Assessed through parent reports (e.g., MCDI, CSBS-ITC), direct observation of spontaneous language, and standardized tests (e.g., MSEL, PLS, REEL-3/4).
- Child Social Engagement Skills: Evaluated via caregiver reports (Social Communication Checklist, AIM, Vineland) and observational coding (e.g., BOSCC) to track gains in social interaction and engagement.
- Child Play & Imitation: Measured through specific observational tools (UIA, DPA), direct play observation, and parent-prioritized goals on the Social Communication Checklist.
- Child Emotional Regulation: Captured using caregiver-reported measures like the Emotional Dysregulation Inventory-Young Child (EDI-YC).
- Parent Intervention Fidelity & Responsiveness: Assessed via direct observation of parent use of ImPACT strategies during interactions with their child and observational measures like PICCOLO to gauge responsive parenting.
- Parent Self-Efficacy: Measured through self-report scales like PSOC, MES, and EIPSES to evaluate parents’ perceived competence and confidence in their caregiving.
- Parent Well-being & Empowerment: Assessed via self-report questionnaires like the PSI-SF (for parenting stress) and CES-D (for depression symptoms), and qualitative interviews.
Key Findings
Significant Improvements in Child Social Communication & Language:
Children whose parents received Project ImPACT consistently demonstrate greater gains in social communication skills, including increased spontaneous communication, joint attention, and reciprocal social interactions. Studies have shown effective improvement in children’s spoken language abilities and expressive vocabulary, with some showing significant growth at the group level.
Positive Impact on Emotion Regulation:
Studies indicate that children show reductions in emotional reactivity and improved emotion regulation after participating in Project ImPACT, suggesting it may be a promising approach to address dysregulation without requiring additional programs.
Enhanced Parent Fidelity and Responsiveness:
Parents trained in Project ImPACT show marked improvements in their learning and use of intervention strategies (caregiver fidelity), becoming more responsive and engaging interaction partners. Increased parent strategy use predicts increased parent verbal responsiveness and child vocal complexity.
Reduced Parent Stress and Increased Self-Efficacy:
Participation in Project ImPACT is associated with significant reductions in parental stress and increased confidence in their ability to support their child’s development, fostering a more positive family environment. Caregivers also report high satisfaction with the program.
Broadened Reach through Adaptations and Telehealth:
Project ImPACT has demonstrated efficacy using various modes of delivery, including individual in-person, group models, and telehealth sessions, with no significant differences in outcomes. Its successful community adaptations and culturally responsive care for diverse families (e.g., Spanish-speaking Latinx families) further enhance its potential for widespread dissemination and access.
Why It Matters
Project ImPACT is a Globally Recognized Evidence-Based Practice:
The cumulative research positions Project ImPACT as a highly effective and evidence-based intervention for young children with autism, recommended by leading organizations and implemented worldwide.
Empowering Parents as Primary Agents of Change:
The evidence underscores the critical role of parent-mediated interventions in early autism support, highlighting how empowering parents can lead to significant and lasting positive developmental outcomes for their children.
Addressing Disparities in Access to Care:
Research demonstrates Project ImPACT’s adaptability and effectiveness across diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts, making it a vital tool for expanding access to high-quality autism intervention, particularly in underserved communities.
Practice Notes
Building Trust Through the Evidence Behind Project ImPACT
As providers, we’re not just implementing strategies—we’re translating science into meaningful progress for families. The following tips can help you talk about this evidence base with clarity, compassion, and confidence, especially when families are curious or cautious.
- 🗣️ Start with What Matters Most: Focus on outcomes that matter to families—like gains in communication, connection, and caregiver confidence.
- 💬 Make Research Relatable: Show how strategies work in everyday routines—during playtime, meals, and daily interactions.
- 🛠️ Highlight the Breadth of Studies: Emphasize that over 60 studies support Project ImPACT across diverse communities and developmental needs.
- 🌍 Connect with Personal Success Stories: Pair research with relatable examples: “Many families notice how these strategies strengthen their child’s communication—backed by research and real-life experience.”
- ❤️ Reassure Parents of Their Role: Let them know their involvement is key: “You’re central to your child’s growth—and the evidence supports that.”
- 👪 Address Concerns with Transparency: For skeptical parents, explain: “Evidence-based simply means the program was carefully studied and proven effective across many families—but it’s still tailored to yours.”
- 🤝 Acknowledge Uncertainty with Empathy: Normalize questions and doubts: “It’s okay to feel unsure—every family’s journey looks different. Let’s talk about what could work best for you.”
- 🧭 Frame Research as a Starting Point, Not a Prescription: Position the science as supportive, not rigid: “The studies give us strong guidance, but what matters most is how it fits with your family’s goals and values.”
- 🧪 Use Visuals to Simplify Data: Include graphs or timelines to help families see how the program’s effectiveness has grown over time.
Clinician Q&A: Where can I find summaries of the research to share with families?
This newsletter is a great starting point! We’ll continue to highlight key studies each month. You can also access brief summaries and infographics through our website: www.project-impact.org.
Fidelity Check: Avoid skipping core components, even under time pressure
It is tempting to trim strategies when sessions run short—but remember, the research supports fidelity to the F.A.C.T.S. strategies as a whole. If you need to cut, make sure that you are teaching at least one technique from each of the F.A.C.T.S. rather than omitting a strategy altogether.
Announcements
Upcoming: Project ImPACT Virtual Advanced Course
Our next available Advanced Course will be offered October 20-23. This course is open to providers who work with young children with social communication delays.