Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention: Outcomes for Children With Autism and Their Parents After Two Years

Abstract

An intervention group (n ϭ 23) of preschool children with autism was identified on the basis of parent preference for early intensive behavioral intervention and a comparison group (n ϭ 21) identified as receiving treatment as usual. Prospective assessment was undertaken before treatment, after 1 year of treatment, and again after 2 years. Groups did not differ on assessments at baseline but after 2 years, robust differences favoring intensive behavioral intervention were observed on measures of intelligence, language, daily living skills, positive social behavior, and a statistical measure of best outcome for individual children. Measures of parental well-being, obtained at the same three time points, produced no evidence that behavioral intervention created increased problems for either mothers or fathers of children receiving it.

Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism Spectrum Disorders in China and Hong Kong

“…At present, empirical research clearly supports the use of ABA and other interventions with a behavioral foundation in the treatment of ASD [4]. These results have helped lay the foundation for treatment recommendations prescribed by professional and governmental organizations.…”

Analysis of risk factors and early predictors of challenging behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Howard, Sparkman, Cohen, Green and Stanislaw (2005) maintain that effective early intervention can produce lasting neurobiological as well as behavioral changes as early experiences play a critical role in shaping brain architecture as well as brain function. Research has indicated in numerous studies that early intensive behavioral intervention is highly effective and much more so than an "eclectic" approach (Remington, Hastings, Kovshoff, Espinosa & Jahr, 2007;Zachor, BenItzchak, Rabinovich & Lahat, 2007;Eikeseth, Smith, Jahr & Eldevik, 2002;Howard et al, 2005). Matson and Smith (2008) maintain that to date enough behaviorally oriented EIBI studies have been conducted to suggest that not only is it effective but as a congregate group of learning based methods, it stands alone as the only effective treatment for young children with ASD.…”

Can Children with Autism Recover? If So, How?

“…Only one child with Autistic Disorder lost the diagnosis by age 9 years, whereas almost half of the children with PDD-NOS lost the diagnosis. Remington et al (2007) also examined a subset of preschool-aged children who achieved a "best outcome" status in their comparison study of EIBI and a treatment-asusual group. The children were evaluated at baseline and then again after 2 years of intervention.…”