<i>Project ImPACT for Toddlers</i>: Pilot outcomes of a community adaptation of an intervention for autism risk

Abstract

This study reports child and family outcomes from a community-based, quasi-experimental pilot trial of <i>Project ImPACT for Toddlers</i> that is a parent-mediated, naturalistic, developmental behavioral intervention for children with or at-risk for autism spectrum disorder developed through a research-community partnership. Community early interventionists delivered either <i>Project ImPACT for Toddlers</i> (<i>n</i> = 10) or Usual Care (<i>n</i> = 9) to families based on Part C assigned provider. Twenty-five families participated, with children averaging 22.76 months old (<i>SD</i> = 5.06). Family and child measures were collected at intake, after 3 months of service, and after a 3-month follow-up. Results indicate significantly greater improvements in positive parent-child interactions for <i>Project ImPACT for Toddlers</i> than usual care families, as well as large, but non-significant, effect sizes for <i>Project ImPACT for Toddlers</i> families in children's social and communication skills.