Ziggurat   n:
(zig·gu·rat)  from Assyrian ziqquratu, height, pinnacle

1. a temple having the form of a terraced pyramid of successively receding stories, erected by the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians
2. a framework for designing comprehensive interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

The Ziggurat Model is a system for designing comprehensive interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. 

The status quo of intervention is to treat the visible behaviors.  This narrow, band-aid approach fails to address the true need—underlying hidden deficits—and provide for sustained change.  No single solution is sufficient to resolve complex needs.  The Ziggurat Model is a research-centered system that capitalizes on strengths in order to address underlying deficits.  It is assessment driven and provides a framework that guides parents and professionals to ensure that complex needs are fully addressed. 

There are five tiers of the Ziggurat which are each supported by research.  As such, the model identifies essential areas required in the development of a research supported treatment plan. 

Research has demonstrated that interventions based on assessment are more effective.  The Ziggurat Model incorporates two specialized assessment tools that, when used together, go beyond traditional functional behavioral assessment by giving insight into the relationship between behaviors and ASD. 

The book comes with one complimentary copy of the Underlying Characteristics Checklist (UCC-HF)