This study found that there is a high rate of effectiveness of early intervention between intelligence, communication, and social interaction for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
This study included an early intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorder who are not less than 18 months old. It includes the effectiveness of the program in improving IQ and language ability and social interaction.
SEATTLE, WASH ( November 29, 2009 )
It is considered the first early intervention research study that includes an intensive and appropriate early intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorder who are under two and a half years of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children between the ages of 18 and 24 months be screened for autism spectrum disorder.
“By intervening early and once a child has been diagnosed, we hope to maximize the positive impact of early intervention,” said Dr. Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer at Autism Speaks and lead author of the study.
The content of the study, which was published online in the journal Pediatrics, included: “Denver Model of Early Intervention.”
This study combines teaching methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with relationship-based developmental curricula. It was a combination of applied behavior analysis, A play-based routine that focuses on building a relationship with the child. With the note that The youngest age in the study was 18 months. The intervention was designed to be suitable for children with autism spectrum disorder who are younger than 12 months.
Some previous studies have found that early intervention can be beneficial for pre-school children, but it is under study and testing that autism disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that includes repetitive stereotyped behaviors and impairment in verbal communication and social interaction. One in every 100 children in the United States is diagnosed.
Sally Rogers, Professor of Psychiatry, “Children’s brains are flexible, so through this treatment we are trying to take advantage of the learning capabilities of the infant’s brain in order to reduce the negative effects of autism spectrum disorder and help children live a better life.”
The five-year study was conducted at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle and was led by Dawson, a professor of psychology and director of the university’s Autism Center, in partnership with Rogers. The study included 48 children between the ages of 18 and 30 months with autism spectrum disorder and no other health problems. Melanie Smith daily supervises the programs included in the study.
The children were separated into two groups:
- The first group received 20 hours a week of intervention — two two-hour sessions five days a week — from specialists at the University of Washington and received five hours a week of training from the parents.
- In the second group, the children were transferred to community programs for training.
- At the beginning of the study there was no significant difference in performance between the two groups.
- At the conclusion of the study, IQ in the intervention group increased by an average of approximately 18 points, The intervention group had an 18-point increase in receptive language (listening and comprehension).
Rogers: “The Denver Early Intervention Model group made greater progress because it included structured instruction and a relationship-based approach to learning.”
Dawson: “Parent involvement and use of strategies at home during routine and daily activities are important to the success of the program and to improved and improved outcomes for the child.” The study confirms the urgent and strong need for early intervention and starting as soon as possible.”
The study also included, The intervention took place in the child’s natural environment at home and was delivered by trained professionals and parents who received instruction and training.
Melanie Smith, associate director of the UW Autism Center: The study was based on Parents and specialists worked to intervene individually for each child, and work collectively to improve how children respond socially, play and communicate. Parents were taught strategies to attract the child’s attention and enhance communication between them so that these strategies could be used on a daily basis. Opportunities were also provided for children to learn how to interact with others. “.
Other study authors include Jeffrey Munson, and Jimmy Winter, and Jessica Greenson, and Jennifer Farley, They are all from the UW Autism Center, and Amy Donaldson of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Portland State University.
Reference:
Study Finds Early Intervention Highly Effective | Autism Speaks
