Intervention for Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Condition: Autism Spectrum Disorder
MeSH terms: Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This research is being done to test the effectiveness of an early intervention model for very
      young children at high risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. If
      children show improvement in this intervention, the investigators hope that the availability
      of public services of this type will be increased. Children between 11 months and 21 months
      old with Autism Spectrum Disorders, or with social and communication delays that indicate
      high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their parents may join the study. Treatment must
      start prior to the second birthday.
    


Intervention name(s): Playgroup; Parent Training; Parent Training
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): The playgroup will be conducted at our center and focuses on providing an invigorating learning environment in which emerging skills/knowledge are skillfully brought to a higher level of maturity, integrated with existing abilities, and used functionally. Learning with and through peers, provides the opportunity to address abnormal peer relationships for developmental level. Providing an enriched environment with toys, structured learning, and opportunities for ongoing engagement we offer the children experiences that they would not otherwise have. Parent training sessions will focus on strategies aimed at improving child social engagement and communication. Parent education sessions will focus on topics related to autism, learning styles, interventions, and resources.; The 1-2 hour individual therapeutic sessions with parent training in the home or clinic (1x every week over six months) are based on our own program which is in development. This program focuses on teaching parents how to encourage social and communication skills in their toddlers and also provides comprehensive information about development. Sessions will focus on knowledge of autism, current access to services, general knowledge of strategies used to facilitate child development, advocacy, knowledge of how to access services, and coping strategies.; In the once-a-week 1 to 2 hour parent training/enrichment, we will ask parents to target specific play and care routines in which they may stimulate their child's development in the ways identified by the therapist. These stimulation times may be provided by the parents, other family members, friends, volunteers or hired assistants. Parents will be encouraged to have their child in direct skill-enhancing engagement for 1-2 hour per day. The therapist will work with the family to identify times during the day that best lend themselves to accomplishing this goal.
Other intervention name(s): Enrichment Sessions; Individual Therapeutic Sessions
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; language; social; toddlers