THE IMPACT OF PARENT-IMPLEMENTED LANGUAGE INTERVENTION ON TODDLERS AT RISK OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Abstract

This study examines the use of parent-implemented language interventions (PILI) with toddlers (18 to 30 months of age), who present early warning signs for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, 40 dyads were randomly assigned to the treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 20) or intervention group (Early Social Interaction/Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention; n = 20). Results indicated significant increases in the expressive vocabulary, rate of joint attention initiations, and parental self-efficacy of the intervention group. Studies show that at-risk toddlers follow a dramatically accelerated developmental pathway within epoch of neuroplasticity when caregivers are supported as primary co-therapists in naturalistic settings.