Founded in 2004, HANDS has grown from an autism-focused training and resource center into a widely applicable model for building local capacity. Its curriculum, framework, and process combine instruction with demonstration, practice, feedback, coaching, and mentoring so participants can move beyond knowing what to do and develop the skills and supports needed to do it well.
Since 2004, HANDS has systematically developed, studied, refined, and implemented evidence-based practices across settings. That research-to-practice pipeline has expanded through demonstration sites, statewide and global partnerships, behavioral health initiatives, workforce pathways, virtual learning, ECHO series, micro-credentials, and community-informed networks.
The HANDS Model
A shared framework across people, roles, and settings.
| The Diamond illustrates the range of evidence-based practices that may be selected and combined. The HOUSE organizes the process for putting those practices into action through five connected areas. Together they show both what may be used and how teams build, apply, review, and sustain an individualized approach as people, needs, and settings change. |
Assessing
Understand strengths, needs, context, and progress.
Setting goals
Define meaningful priorities and use data to guide decisions.
Teaching
Select, model, practice, and refine effective strategies.
Generalizing
Support skills and practices across people, routines, and settings.
Building the environment
Create structures, tools, schedules, and supports that make success more likely.
Explore the HANDS ModelHANDS philosophy
