The Effects of a Group-Based Approach to Parent-Mediated Early Behavioral Intervention for Very Young Children with or At-Risk for Autism

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a short-term, low-dose parent-implemented intervention for young children with or at-risk for autism. Parents were taught strategies in a group-based format, at the same birth to three center where their child received publicly funded early intervention services. The strategies were focused on improving the quality of caregiver child interaction and based on best practices of naturalistic behavior intervention for very young children with autism. Increases in parental use of intervention strategies were seen as well as changes in four developmentally appropriate goal areas for very young child with or at-risk for autism. Overall, parents were extremely happy with the intervention. This model could lead to easier and quicker access for early intervention services for very young children with or at-risk for autism and can be easily adopted within existing service delivery models.