Early intervention system for preschool children with autism in the community: the DISCOVERY approach in Yokohama, Japan.

Honda et al. (2002) mapped how Yokohama built the DISCOVERY system. The city linked doctors, preschools, and therapists so kids with autism could be spotted and helped earlier.

The paper is a case study. It tells the story of the rollout, not test scores.

The team showed the flow chart: screening → diagnosis → center-based ABA → parent training → kindergarten transition.

No child outcome data are given. The value is the blueprint itself.

Holmes (1990) sketched a similar town-wide autism service plan 12 years earlier. DISCOVERY adds a preschool-only focus and clearer hand-off steps.

Brugnaro et al. (2024) picks up the baton. They gave Project ImPACT to 3-5-year-olds with autism and tracked social gains. Their data show the next step after DISCOVERY: pick an evidence-based program and measure it.

Ditzian et al. (2015) zoom in on staff inside one ABA clinic. Their PDC-HS tool fixes employee errors. DISCOVERY stays at the city level; Kyle shows how to keep quality once kids reach a center.

If you consult for schools or health departments, show them the DISCOVERY map. It gives you talking points for early-screening meetings and a visual to argue for seamless hand-offs. Pair it with Brugnaro et al. (2024) to prove which teaching program works once the child walks through the door.