National Autism Center Names Hanna C. Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D as Director of Evidence-based Practice

Randolph, Mass. – The National Autism Center (NAC) has announced the promotion of Hanna C. Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, to Director of Evidence-based Practice.

The National Autism Center is a May Institute Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. Dr. Rue holds a joint appointment as Vice President of Autism Services at May Institute as well. Prior to assuming her new position, she served as a clinical director for May Institute’s largest special education school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

“Dr. Rue brings an impressive track record of strong leadership and expertise in the treatment of autism,” says Walter P. Christian, Ph.D., ABBP, ABPP, Chairman of the Board of the National Autism Center, and President and CEO of May Institute. “Under her stewardship, I am confident that the National Autism Center will continue to lead the way in providing parents, caregivers, educators, and service professionals with the information they need to make informed treatment decisions.”

Dr. Rue’s responsibilities include overseeing the second phase of the National Standards Project, a multi-year initiative resulting in a groundbreaking 2009 report that identified best practices in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In her new role, she will lead a team of expert panelists, article reviewers, and consultants responsible for expanding the project’s research review and updating its findings.

“The National Standards Project II will focus on identifying evidence-based treatments for individuals with ASD ages 22 and older,” explains Dr. Rue. “We will also be examining the treatment literature for individuals identified as ‘at risk’ for a diagnosis of ASD, and updating the treatment literature for individuals on the spectrum under the age of 22.”

Dr. Rue obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of North Dakota and completed her pre-doctoral training at May Institute. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts, and a board certified behavior analyst.

Dr. Rue’s peer-reviewed publications span topics in basic operant research and applied research. Her current research interests include identification of evidenced-based practice for the treatment of ASDs, investigation of behavior reduction procedures, and skill acquisition procedures. She has traveled throughout the country and abroad delivering lectures and presentations in her areas of expertise.

About the National Autism Center
The National Autism Center is May Institute’s Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. It is dedicated to serving children and adolescents ASD by providing reliable information, promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive resources for families, practitioners, and communities.

An advocate for evidence-based treatment approaches, the National Autism Center identifies effective programming and shares practical information with families about how to respond to the challenges they face. The Center also conducts applied research and develops training and service models for practitioners. Finally, the Center works to shape public policy concerning ASD and its treatment through the development and dissemination of national standards of practice.