When patients were matched for age, gender, operative diagnosis, severity index, and admission ambulation FIM score, those who received rehabilitation in the IRF had shorter length of stay and superior functional outcomes than those in the SNF setting. Cost of stay in an IRF was, however, significantly greater.

When patients were matched for age, gender, operative diagnosis, and admission ambulation FIM, those who received rehabilitation in the IRF had, on average, a shorter length of stay and superior functional outcomes than those treated in SNFs.

We who advocate for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorders often construct our arguments based on the scientific evidence. However, the audience that most needs to hear this argument, that is, the parents of children, especially very young children, diagnosed with autism, may not be convinced by the science alone. This essay attempts to make the case for the multiple benefits of ABA intervention through the use of humor and anecdotes couched in a "Top Ten List," and illustrating most points with stories of an engaging child with autism (my son, Ben).