Early intervention leads to greater gains in language and other key areas for children on the autism spectrum, a new study finds. Researchers say starting intervention as early as 18 months shows major benefits in a randomized control trial. The researchers coached parents with autistic toddlers using a specialized method called Early Social Interaction (ESI). The parents received special training to support their child's social communication and active engagement, and learned how to incorporate evidence-based strategies in everyday activities.
Participants were randomly assigned to begin intervention coaching when the toddlers were either 18 months old or 27 months old. The results showed that toddlers who received individualized ESI coaching earlier experienced greater gains in their use and understanding of language, social communication skills, and self-help skills. The director of the Autism Institute at Florida State University notes "That this makes sense because this is during a period when a child's brain is developing the most rapidly in the first two years of life."
The authors stress that the intent of this training is to support parents, not to replace other sources of intervention, including preschool programs and direct therapies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be first screened for autism at 18 months.
