Intensive Behavioral Treatment for a Toddler at High Risk for Autism

Abstract

Intensive, comprehensive treatment using a variety of applied behavior analysis methods was provided to a toddler who was determined to be at high risk for autism at the age of about 1 year. Initially, treatment was delivered in a one-to-one adult-child format in the child's home and other settings, with gradual transitions to group instruction in early intervention and preschool classrooms. Intensive treatment continued for 3 years; by the 4th year, the child was spending most of her time in a regular preschool classroom, with minimal ongoing one-to-one instruction. Direct observational data and results of norm-referenced tests documented large increases in language, social, cognitive, and daily living skills over the course of treatment. After 4 years, the child demonstrated no behavioral or developmental abnormalities, performed above her chronological age level on norm-referenced tests of cognitive and language skills, and was functioning as a typical child in a regular public school kindergarten classroom.

Evidence-Based Comprehensive Treatments for Early Autism

“…The field is rapidly approaching the point where autism will be diagnosed for many or most children before 3 years of age. However, we have no empirically supported treatments for children with autism 2 years and younger, and little other than a few case reports (Green, Brennan, & Fein, 2002;McGee, Morrier, & Daly, 1999). Children with autism who are younger than 3 years of age qualify for public intervention services, but these programs often provide little more than about a 1 hr home visit or play group every week.…”

L’intervention comportementale appliquée à un enfant ayant une déficience intellectuelle

“…Les résultats de ces études ont soulevé la question des caractéristiques des programmes d'intervention qui influencent positivement le développement des enfants. L'une des caractéristiques la plus souvent mentionnée est la précocité, en effet, les programmes d'ICI doivent débuter généralement à un très jeune âge, soit suite au diagnostic de l'enfant (Green, Brennan et Fein, 2002). La plupart des auteurs mentionnent qu'une intervention effectuée avec des enfants âgés de deux et quatre ans est plus efficace qu'une intervention débutant plus tardivement (Rogé, 2003).…”

Early intervention in children with autism spectrum disorders

“…Najveći broj dece se uključuje u neki od EIBI programa na uzrastu između treće i četvrte godine života (Green, Brennan & Fein, 2002).…”