CONCLUSION Non-specialist mediated interventions for autism spectrum disorder demonstrate effectiveness across a range of outcomes for children with autism and their caregivers
INTRODUCTION In recent years , several non-specialist mediated interventions have been developed and tested to address problematic symptoms associated with autism .
These can be implemented with a fraction of cost required for specialist delivered interventions .
This review represents a robust evidence of clinical effectiveness of these interventions in improving the social , motor and communication deficits among children with autism .
A systematic review of peer-mediated interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.
BACKGROUND Peer mediated intervention ( PMI ) is a promising practice used to increase social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) .  PMIs engage typically developing peers as social models to improve social initiations , responses , and interactions . METHOD The current study is a systematic review examining PMIs for children and adolescents with ASD conducted using group design s. Five studies met the pre-specified review inclusion criteria : four r and omized controlled trials and one pre- and post-test design . RESULTS Four of the studies were conducted in school setting s , whereas one study was conducted in a camp setting . The studies all reported that participants improved in social skills ( e.g. , social initiations , social responses , social communication ) post intervention . Additionally , sustainment , generalization , and fidelity of implementation were examined . CONCLUSION PMI is a promising approach to address social skills in children with ASD , and this approach can be conducted in meaningful real-word context s , such as schools . Limitations of the studies as well as future directions are discussed
CONCLUSION Non-specialist mediated interventions for autism spectrum disorder demonstrate effectiveness across a range of outcomes for children with autism and their caregivers
INTRODUCTION In recent years , several non-specialist mediated interventions have been developed and tested to address problematic symptoms associated with autism .
These can be implemented with a fraction of cost required for specialist delivered interventions .
This review represents a robust evidence of clinical effectiveness of these interventions in improving the social , motor and communication deficits among children with autism .