Children who screen positive for autism at 2.5 years and receive early intervention: a prospective naturalistic 2-year outcome study

Fernell, E., Spjut Jansson, B., Miniscalco, C., Westerlund, J., Kantzer, A.-K. and Gillberg, C. (2016) Children who screen positive for autism at 2.5 years and receive early intervention: a prospective naturalistic 2-year outcome study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, pp. 2255-2263. (doi: 10.2147/NDT.S108899) (PMID:27621636) (PMCID:PMC5012621)

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Abstract

Background: Previous research has stressed the importance of early identification and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders. Methods: Children who had screened positive for autism at the age of 2.5 years in a general population screening and then received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were enrolled in an intervention program provided by Swedish habilitation services. The following interventions were available: a comprehensive intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis – Intensive Learning (IL) – in two settings, which included home- and preschool-based (IL Regular) and only home-based (IL Modified) and eclectic interventions. Results: There was considerable variability in terms of outcome, but intervention group status was not associated with any of the chosen outcome variables. Conclusion: The main finding was that the type of intervention was not critical for outcome of adaptive or global functioning. The variability in outcome demonstrates the need for continuous assessments and evaluation of the child’s function and behavior throughout the intervention period.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The study received financial support from The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland (BSJ).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gillberg, Professor Christopher
Authors: Fernell, E., Spjut Jansson, B., Miniscalco, C., Westerlund, J., Kantzer, A.-K., and Gillberg, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
Publisher:Dove Medical Press
ISSN:1176-6328
ISSN (Online):1178-2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Spjut Jansson et al.
First Published:First published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 12:2255-2263
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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