Become a Member

Episode #242: Early Markers of Autism Sibling Project at The New England Center For Children with Dr. Erin Michaud

Dr. Erin Michaud, SLP and BCBA-D with over 20 years of experience in communication development and ABA, joins the podcast to share the groundbreaking work of The Early Markers of Autism Project—a program changing the landscape of early autism identification and intervention.

This hands-on, in-person research and treatment study works with infants from both high-risk populations (siblings of children with autism, with a 20% recurrence rate) and low-risk populations. By tracking social interaction, shifting attention, joint attention, and social behaviors from infancy through age five, the project identifies and responds to early markers far earlier than the current AAP screening recommendation of 18 months.

The impact? Earlier diagnoses, earlier interventions, and fewer families waiting for services. Dr. Michaud shares how this project is creating validated assessment tools, expanding parent training, and building strong research to push for insurance coverage—bringing meaningful change for high-risk infants and their families.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Erin Michaud is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) with over 20 years of experience in communication development and applied behavior analysis. Her work is centered on early intervention, with a particular focus on Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) to support children with autism and developmental delays. Dr. Michaud has spent over two decades at the New England Center for Children (NECC), contributing to innovative approaches in early intensive behavioral intervention. She continues to consult with families both nationally and internationally, helping to implement individualized, evidence-based strategies that foster growth and independence. Dr. Erin Michaud currently serves as the Principal Investigator of the Early Markers of Autism Project, a longitudinal research study focused on identifying the earliest behavioral and developmental signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants at elevated risk due to having a sibling with ASD.

What’s Inside:

  • What are the early markers of autism?
  • What is the Autism Sibling Project?
  • Supporting parents and our littlest learners.

Mentioned In This Episode

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me to support more people—just like you!
If you have not done so already, subscribe to the podcast. This ensures that you do not miss an episode!

Listen on
Apple Podcasts

Listen on
Stitcher

Subscribe
via Email

You Might Also Like…