A meta-analytic review of the effectiveness of behavioural early intervention programs for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

There are Gains, But can we Tell for Whom and Why? Predictors of Treatment Response Following Group Early Start Denver Model Intervention in Preschool - Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Excitotoxicity and oxidative stress may in turn be underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that modulate the interaction between genetic, environmental as well as other risk factors [11] . The developmental cascade model suggests the importance of early intervention for ASD, in an attempt to maximise the brain plasticity, and is supported in part by studies showing better outcomes with earlier treatment, particularly using Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) [12][13][14][15].…”

“…Evidence from the available literature suggests that, in addition to age and severity of symptoms, individual child characteristics such as the level of intellectual functioning, communication and language level, adaptive functioning, as well as play skills including interest in functional use of objects, imitation skills, joint attention and engagement -are all potentially important in predicting treatment outcomes [12][13][14][15]18,. It is to be noted that there are also other studies that have failed to find associations between the above factors and response to treatment, suggesting a lack of generalizability of these findings, as well as the role of other factors including the dose effects, duration, quality, intensity and frequency of intervention [22].…”

In Dreams Begin Responsibility: Why and How to Measure the Quality of Graduate Training in Applied Behavior Analysis

“…A second reason to properly evaluate graduate training is that we know that ABA services are effective when implemented with integrity (e.g., Makrygianni and Reed 2010). This contrasts ABA positively with numerous quack and pseudoscientific therapies (e.g., Green 1996), and increases the odds that ABA practitioners actually can satisfy consumer needs if well trained.…”

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…ASD is considered a heterogeneous and complex disorder impacting many areas of development including intellectual, communication, social, emotional, and adaptive (Makrygianni & Reed, 2010). This disorder can present considerable challenges to both the individual and their family across their lifespan.…”

“…These include for example, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA; sometimes referred to as behaviour therapy), Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, auditory integration therapy and speech therapy. Despite the considerable number of various treatment approaches to ASD available to parents and professionals, the majority of empirical support relating to many of these programs remains at the "level of description" (Makrygianni & Reed, 2010;Matson & Smith, 2008), and for many of these proposed interventions there is limited or no evidence provided to demonstrate any effective outcomes with their use (Metz, Despite the many debates that exist amongst researchers and practitioners with regard to efficacy of intervention approaches, one consensual fact that is recognised across the board is that early intervention is the best response to the treatment of ASD. Providing treatment of symptoms immediately will result in more favourable treatment outcomes (Dawson, 2008;Howlin, Magiati & Charmin, 2009;Reichow & Wolery, 2009).…”