Outcomes in a Group of 7–8-Year-Old Children in a Developmental-Based Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Healthy parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Parents play a central role in the acquisition of social and communicative skills, both in typical and atypical children. Increased support for parent-mediated intervention in autism has been demonstrated. Developmental approaches for ASD are based in establishing strong interpersonal relationships through natural play to foster developmental capacities. This work reports outcomes from an intensive approach based on a developmental, individual difference, home-based intervention program with children with severe ASD. Parents were trained with DIR approach by a specialist. An individual intensive rehabilitation program was set up for each child and implemented at school, home and rehabilitation center. The intervention program also focused on semi-structured activities to promote problem solving, and meliorate sensory dysfunction. Standardized scales were administered pre– and post-intervention, with ABC). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviours Scales.

Results

Before initiating the intervention all children presented severe difficulties in communication, social interaction, lack of language, and gestures of communication, auto– and hetero-aggressive behaviors. After 6 months, children showed significant changes in mean scores for emotional functioning, communication, and daily living skills and diminution of aggressive behaviors. The present results provide strong support for the effectiveness of a developmental-based intervention, specifically in the domains of social skills behavior, social responsiveness, in a group of children with severe autism. These results highlight the positive effects of a rehabilitative approach that works in harmony with the family, school and professional team.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.