About the Institute - Hussman Institute for Autism

The Hussman Institute for Autism

Vision

The vision of the Hussman Institute for Autism is to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families by:

Advancing the understanding of the causes and neurological basis of autism
Identifying potential long-term interventions
Creating a continuum of supports and resources to address immediate needs for evidence-based teaching methods, communication, inclusion, and independence

Our primary research efforts focus on individuals with autism having limited or minimally-verbal communication; behavioral, sensory and motor challenges; and the need for significant day-to-day support. At the core of the Institute is a focus on the strengths, value and potential of individuals with autism, a presumption that they have competence, and a commitment to finding ways to help them develop and demonstrate these abilities.

Our perspective is not that autism is a tragedy that must be eliminated with a cure, nor that those with autism must be turned over to be “fixed” by therapists in segregated settings. Rather, our goal is to provide research and resources to support those with autism within their homes, schools and communities and to enable learning, communication, and meaningful relationships through day-to-day engagement with those around them.

“Our perspective is not that autism is a tragedy that must be eliminated with a cure, nor that the those with autism must be turned over to be 'fixed' by therapists in segregated settings. Rather, our goal is to provide research and resources to support those with autism within their homes, schools and communities; to enable learning, communication, and meaningful relationships through day-to-day engagement with those around them.”

Our Principles and Core Values

“Autism awareness can’t stop with a list of what makes people with autism different from us. Because what is essential is the constant awareness of what makes us the same.”

Communication as the Centerpiece

The ability to communicate should not be confused with ability or complexity of thought, particularly for non-verbal children, but also for children whose language may be limited to requests and objections. Communication is not simply a behavior-reduction strategy. It is a central human need.

Presumption of Competence

“Just because someone doesn’t speak doesn’t mean they have nothing to say” – autism often interferes with communication and initiation, and masks the competence of those on the spectrum.

Strength-based, Positive Supports

Too often autism seems to result in a loss of equal treatment and an over-emphasis on differences and weaknesses.

Evidence-based Approaches

The maze of intriguing but unproven approaches in autism can be overwhelming to parents, while many approaches that are well-grounded in research remain underused, or lack the resources required for broad implementation.

Naturalistic Settings and Methods

Not only are these the most ethical approaches toward individuals with autism, but evidence indicates that positive, inclusive, naturalistic learning approaches significantly increase motivation and learning.

Inclusion in schools and communities as a priority connected to all other supports

It can be short-sighted to pursue communication supports, behavior supports, and sensory supports without addressing the social aspects of autism and the need for connections and community. Issues of belonging, friendship, and quality-of-life should be valued and addressed alongside other goals.

Recognition and appreciation of differences in sensory processing, movement, and subjective anxiety

Certain methods may be successful in compelling desired behavior, but may not be humane or comfortable for the person with autism. It is essential to understand the need that certain symptoms may address, and to find adaptations that meet those needs—simply repressing them may produce unexpected new behaviors.

Partnership and advisory input from individuals with autism to inform research and design supports

Too often, individuals on the autism spectrum are studied, assessed and supported without their cooperation, participation, or input. People with autism can contribute important perspective, and reveal areas of need that might not be apparent.

"In the end, the best argument for inclusion is the simplest. It’s the one we know by heart – that all of us are created equal.”

Structure

The Hussman Institute for Autism is a 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in Maryland. The Institute is located adjacent to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) campus, with neuroscience laboratories located adjacent to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The Institute has been funded with a major commitment from Dr. John P. Hussman and the Hussman Foundation, with the expectation of additional funding from research grants and public support.

The Institute will provide an active seminar series in-house, as well as access to nationally recognized experts, in its efforts to focus on high‐quality research, evidence-based practice, and the importance of including the voices of those on the autism spectrum.

The Institute expects to develop model programs and best‐practices by working with individual families, through research set within inclusive on-site classrooms, and through collaborative efforts with public school systems. The Institute does not envision offering medically-related clinical care to individuals with autism or other conditions.

“The soul must be loved as it is.”

Jamie Burke
“Autism awareness can’t stop with a list of what makes people with autism different from us. Because what is essential is the constant awareness of what makes us the same.”

John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

The Little Prince

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“We agree with the view that presuming competence is the least dangerous assumption.”

John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director
“Autism is not disability.”

Jamie Burke
“We are just like you, with the same desires, and just need help to be typical members of society.”

Sue Rubin
“In the end, the best argument for inclusion is the simplest. It’s the one we know by heart – that all of us are created equal.”

John P. Hussman, Ph.D., Director