Bierman Autism Centers

PEBBL Clinical Research

Early Patterns We’re Watching in Outcomes

We’re studying how everyday therapy data might help spot patterns in progress earlier. The goal is simple: give clinicians better decision support and give families clearer expectations. This work is in development, so here’s a transparent look at what we’re exploring and where it might help.

What we mean by “predictive modeling”

Predictive modeling is the practice of using past data to estimate the likelihood of future outcomes. In our world, that could mean identifying early indicators that a child is on track for a particular skill or that a plan needs to change. It is not a guarantee. It is a signal to help humans make better decisions.

Patterns we’re exploring

  • Consistency of participation: Does steadier attendance correlate with faster skill growth.
  • Intensity that fits: How the right amount of practice time for a specific learner relates to progress.
  • Program fit: Which interventions are most likely to help learners with similar profiles.
  • Next placement readiness: Do patterns in therapy duration, age at start, and weekly programming updates signal the most likely next placement setting.
  • Update-to-outcome link: Does progress on biannual treatment plans track with the cadence of weekly programming updates, and how might that inform the next placement step.

We share these directions now because we believe in learning in public. It helps clinicians and families understand what we’re trying to answer, and it keeps us honest about what’s ready versus what’s still baking.

How this could help

  • For families: clearer views of what “on track” might look like and earlier signals when a plan might need a tune-up.

  • For clinicians: early heads-up that could support timely changes, plus opportunities to test ideas and share what works.

What's next

We’ll continue to refine models, run replications, and share plain-language takeaways as findings become reliable. When something reaches that level, you’ll see it in our webinars, updates, and site posts.

 

For Families: Speak to our Intake Team to learn more about services and next steps.

For Clinicians: Want a career that promotes your research interests? Fill out the form

FAQ: Predictive Modeling at PEBBL

What is predictive modeling (in plain English)?

It’s a way of using past, real-world therapy data to estimate the likelihood of future outcomes, so teams can spot helpful patterns early and make smarter decisions. It’s a signal, not a promise. 

 

How could this help families?

Clearer views of what “on track” might look like for a child with a similar profile, plus earlier nudges when a plan may need a tune-up. 

 

How could this help clinicians?

It provides decision support—a data-informed heads-up that complements professional judgment and helps teams test ideas sooner. 

 

Is this diagnostic or a replacement for clinical judgment?

No. Predictive modeling does not diagnose and does not replace a clinician’s judgment. It is one input among many. 

 

Is this part of the intake process or used to promise timelines?

No. We don’t use it in intake, and we do not make individual promises about timelines or outcomes. It’s for pattern-finding, not guarantees. 

 

What data are you using?

De-identified, day-to-day therapy data collected during regular care. We focus on real settings, not artificial tasks, so insights stay practical.

 

How do you protect privacy?

We analyze de-identified data, follow internal safeguards, and share only aggregated or example-level insights appropriate for public audiences.

 

What does “learning in public” mean here?

We share what we’re exploring, what looks promising, and what still needs work, transparently, so families and clinicians understand what’s ready versus what’s still in development. 

 

When will you share results?

As findings become reliable through replication. You’ll see plain-language updates in our Research Spotlight webinars, newsletters, and site posts. 

 

How can families learn more?

Speak with our Intake Team to understand services and next steps for your child here.

 

How can clinicians get involved?

Explore research-friendly roles and mentorship through PEBBL. Fill out the interest form to connect with our team.  

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