Brief Report: An Evaluation of an Australian Autism-Specific, Early Intervention Programme.

Abstract

There is a relative paucity of evidence examining the effectiveness of early intervention\nfor young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in particular those delivered\nthrough educationally-based programmes. This study aimed to evaluate the real world\neffectiveness of a community-based autism-specific early learning and intervention\nprogramme in Australia. Children enrolled between February 2010 and May 2013\nwho had a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder was eligible to participate in the\nstudy. Fifty-nine children with a mean age of 3.98 years participated. Cognitive\nability, language, autistic symptoms, and motor skills were assessed at baseline and\nfollow up (12 months or at programme exit) using standardised measures. Pre- and\npost-measures were compared using paired sample t-tests. Significant improvements\nwere found in receptive and expressive language, autism symptoms, and overall\nadaptive behaviour. No significant change was found in motor skills. Children with\nAutism Spectrum Disorder attending the community-based programme had significant\ngains particularly in domains of cognition and language. Study limitations are\ndiscussed.