Improving Outcomes in Toddlers with Autism

An early developmental and behavioral intervention resulted in gains in cognitive ability and adaptive behavior in toddlers.

A recent CDC retrospective surveillance study suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) afflicts 1% of children in the U.S. In a randomized clinical trial, researchers in Seattle compared the efficacy of a comprehensive behavioral intervention and routine community care in 48 toddlers (age range, 18–30 months) with ASD. The intervention (Early Start Denver Model) was delivered at home by trained therapists and parents for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Parents in the intervention group reported a mean of 15 hours per week of individual therapy. Parents in the control group reported an average of 9 hours per week of individual therapy and 9 hours of developmental preschool. After 2 years of treatment, the intervention group showed signi…

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)