Autism Support in Philadelphia Elementary Schools

Philly AIMS (i.e., Philadelphia Autism Instructional Methods Support) is a team of researchers and clinicians at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine dedicated to improving the quality of education & behavioral health services for children with autism by moving research into practice.
Philly AIMS was established in 2008 with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and the U.S. Department of Education to conduct a randomized controlled trial of autism-specific interventions. At the time, it was the largest study of an educational intervention for children with autism, and the first to be conducted as a partnership between a university and a school district.
Since 2011, when the study ended, Philly AIMS has partnered with the District to transition from a research study to a District-funded program that provides ongoing training and support to kindergarten through fifth grade autism support teachers. The consultants provide in-class coaching and professional development training to teachers and staff throughout the Philadelphia School District. The Philly AIMS team has provided consultation to over 500 K-5 Autism Support teachers. Philly AIMS also provides consultation on school-wide inclusive educational practices.
Philly AIMS continues working towards developing additional partnerships with local behavioral health and education entities to provide supports such as classroom consultation, professional development training, and program development. For more information, go to