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Pires JF, Grattão CC, Gomes RMR. The challenges for early intervention and its effects on the prognosis of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Dement Neuropsychol 2024; 18:e20230034. [PMID: 38425700 PMCID: PMC10901562 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2023-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is expressed with neurobehavioral symptoms of different degrees of intensity. It is estimated that, for every three cases detected, there are two cases that reach adulthood without treatment. Objective To establish what challenges are still present in the implementation of early intervention (EI) and its effects on the prognosis of ASD. Methods A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Prisma) methodology was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases in January 2023. The search keywords were "autism spectrum disorder", "early intervention" and "prognosis". Results Sixteen studies were included, two randomized and 14 non-randomized. Knowledge about the signs of ASD, diagnostic and therapeutic methods, age at the start of treatment, and socioeconomic factors were the main challenges encountered in the implementation of the EI. Conclusion EI is capable of modifying the prognosis of ASD and challenges in its implementation persist, especially in developing regions with low socioeconomic status.
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Ma CH, Chen LY, Li MF, Wu D, Wang SS, Zhao YJ, Shi JL, Rydell PJ, Chen JJ, Wang Y. Treatment of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Trial to Evaluate a Learning Style Profile Intervention Program in China. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:831621. [PMID: 35372141 PMCID: PMC8966376 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.831621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the provision of learning style profile (LSP) training improves development in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to describe the characteristics of children who benefit from the intervention. METHODS Eighty-one children aged 36 to 72 months who were diagnosed with ASD for the first time were recruited for the intervention group. All of them received 24 weeks of LSP training, consisting of hospital- and home-based training. Twenty-one children with ASD of the same age in the control group had never received any intervention after diagnosis but underwent an assessment. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 24 weeks later. Differences in the developmental level and severity of ASD symptoms over time and between groups were analyzed by repeated standardized measures. Secondary analyses examined age effects among the 36- 48-, 48- 60-, and 60-72-month age groups. RESULTS Within-group comparison of the intervention group revealed significant treatment effects after the intervention, according to: language, social and adaptive developmental quotients (DQs) of the China Developmental Scale; total Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score; and hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale and emotional symptoms and conduct problems scores of the SDQ; however, the differences between these pre- and postintervention scores did not reach statistical significance. Comparisons among the three age groups in the intervention groups demonstrated a significant age effect on adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties scores of the SDQ. Comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed significant treatment effects on language, social and adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; and emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the SDQ after the intervention. Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale, although differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that LSP training can effectively improve social behavior and reduce the severity of ASD symptoms in children with ASD. Our data also highlight the importance of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Huan Ma
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Yan Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Fan Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha-Sha Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Jun Zhao
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Li Shi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Patrick J Rydell
- Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Blanc R, Latinus M, Guidotti M, Adrien JL, Roux S, Dansart P, Barthélémy C, Rambault A, Bonnet-Brilhault F, Malvy J. Early Intervention in Severe Autism: Positive Outcome Using Exchange and Development Therapy. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:785762. [PMID: 34976896 PMCID: PMC8714880 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.785762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Early intervention programs positively affect key behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, most of these programs do not target children with severe autistic symptomatology associated with intellectual disability (ID). This study aimed to investigate the psychological and clinical outcomes of children with severe autism and ID enrolled in the Tailored and Inclusive Program for Autism-Tours (TIPA-T). The first step of the TIPA-T is the Exchange and Development Therapy (EDT): an individual neurofunctional intervention consisting of one-to-one exchanges between a child and a therapist taking place in a pared-down environment. It aims to rehabilitate psychophysiological abilities at the roots of social communication through structured sequences of "social play." Cognitive and socio-emotional skills and general development were evaluated with the Social Cognitive Evaluation Battery scale and the Brunet-Lézine Scale-Revised, respectively, before and after 9 months of intervention in 32 children with ASD and ID. Autistic symptomatology was evaluated with the Behavior Summarized Evaluation-Revised scale at five time-points in a subset of 14 children, both in individual and group settings. Statistically significant post-intervention improvements were found in cognitive and socio-emotional skills. All but one child showed improvements in at least one social domain, and 78% of children gained one level in at least four social domains. Twenty-nine children improved in cognitive domains, with 66% of children improving in at least three cognitive domains. Autistic symptomatology evaluated in one-to-one settings significantly decreased with therapy; this reduction was observed in more than 85% of children. In group settings, autistic symptomatology also decreased in more than 60% of children. Global developmental age significantly increased by 3.8 months. The TIPA-T, including EDT in particular, improves socio-emotional skills of most children with ASD and reduces autistic symptomatology, yet with heterogeneous outcomes profiles, in line with the strong heterogeneity of profiles observed in ASD. At the group level, this study highlights the benefits of the TIPA-T for children with severe autism and associated ID. Assessment of autistic core symptoms showed an improvement of social interaction, both in one-to-one and group evaluations, demonstrating the generalizability of the skills learned during the EDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Blanc
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Marianne Latinus
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marco Guidotti
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Louis Adrien
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Sylvie Roux
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Pascale Dansart
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Aude Rambault
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Frédérique Bonnet-Brilhault
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Joëlle Malvy
- Exac-T, Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
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Gibson JL, Pritchard E, de Lemos C. Play-based interventions to support social and communication development in autistic children aged 2-8 years: A scoping review. AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS 2021; 6:23969415211015840. [PMID: 36381525 PMCID: PMC9620698 DOI: 10.1177/23969415211015840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Play is used by practitioners from across disciplinary backgrounds as a natural and enjoyable context for providing intervention and support in early childhood. In the case of autism interventions, many therapies are based on the association between social play and the development of social skills, language development, and communication skills, as these are often particular areas of challenge for autistic children. However, play is a wide-ranging concept and the extant literature on play-based interventions is large and heterogeneous. This means it is challenging for practitioners and families to navigate the evidence base and make choices about differing intervention strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive map of the research on this topic and to develop a conceptual framework to inform clinical decision-making. METHODS An initial stakeholder consultation confirmed the relevance of the topic to practitioners and autistic people. A scoping review methodology (preregistered) was used to identify relevant literature. We systematically searched seven databases to find peer-reviewed primary intervention studies of play-based approaches targeting language, social and communication outcomes for autistic children aged 2-8 years. We then summarised the literature using narrative synthesis and Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs). The literature was summarised according to a range of characteristics, including study design, population characteristics, agent of intervention and outcomes measured, among others. These summaries were then used to develop a framework for some key considerations for practitioners appraising play-based approaches. RESULTS 388 studies met inclusion criteria. Approximately 21% of studies were RCTs, and over 50% had ≤10 participants. Over 45% of studies reported multiple relevant outcomes, with social play skills being the most common single intervention target. Girls and minority background groups are under-represented. A range of intervention types were identified, and some high-level categorisations are proposed.Main contribution: On the basis of the evidence synthesis we suggest important dimensions for appraisal of play-based interventions, including the role of play within an intervention (as a context, a key developmental mechanism, or a component of a larger approach), the underpinning philosophy (e.g. behaviourist or developmental), and the role of the practitioner (providing parent feedback, 1:1 intervention, group facilitation). CONCLUSIONS The wide range of approaches uncovered by this review is a testament to the wonderful diversity inherent to both play and autism. However, research could usefully focus on consolidating the evidence base for existing approaches, rather than aiming for further diversification. Implications: The conceptual framework proposed in this review can help practitioners appraise the literature and aid their advice to families when making shared intervention decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Gibson
- Jenny L Gibson, Play & Communication
Lab, Play in Education Development and Learning Research Centre, Faculty of
Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Freitag CM, Jensen K, Teufel K, Luh M, Todorova A, Lalk C, Vllasaliu L. Empirisch untersuchte entwicklungsorientierte und verhaltenstherapeutisch basierte Therapieprogramme zur Verbesserung der Kernsymptome und der Sprachentwicklung bei Klein- und Vorschulkindern mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2020; 48:224-243. [DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Der vorliegende systematische Überblicksartikel basiert auf Vorarbeiten im Rahmen der Erstellung der AWMF-S3-Leitlinien zur Therapie von Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS). Das Ziel ist, den aktuellen Stand evidenzbasierter Interventionen zur Behandlung der Kernsymptomatik sowie sprachlichen Förderung im Kleinkind- und Vorschulalter für Kinder mit ASS darzustellen. Einschlusskriterien: entwicklungsorientierte oder verhaltenstherapeutisch basierte, manualisierte Intervention für Kinder mit ASS nach DSM-III (R), DSM-IV (TR), DSM-5 oder ICD-10, Alter < 7 Jahre, Publikationsdatum 1.1.2011 bis 31.8.2018. Iterativ-hierarchischer Prozess für den Studieneinschluss: systematisches Review > randomisiert kontrollierte > kontrollierte klinische Studie. Zielgrößen der eingeschlossenen Studien: zentrale autismusspezifische Symptomatik oder entwicklungspsychologisch belegte Vorläuferfertigkeiten oder Verbesserung der sprachlichen Fertigkeiten. Die Interventionen wurden (1) anhand ihrer wöchentlichen Frequenz sowie (2) anhand der therapeutischen Inhalte sortiert. Spezifische Therapieinhalte, wie die Förderung elterlicher Synchronizität sowie kindlicher gemeinsamer Aufmerksamkeit, Symbolspiel und Imitation einerseits oder die umfassende Förderung verschiedener Entwicklungsbereiche andererseits, wurden in den entsprechenden Studien untersucht. Die soziale Interaktion und Kommunikation verbesserte sich langfristig durch das frühe Training elterlicher Synchronizität und kindlicher Reziprozität sowie durch niedrigfrequente, umfassende, entwicklungsorientierte Therapieprogramme, denen das natürliche Lernformat zugrunde liegt. Hochfrequente, am diskreten Lernformat orientierte Programme zeigten diesbezüglich keine Effekte. Sprachliche Fertigkeiten verbesserten sich ebenfalls durch umfassende Förderung. Der Artikel summiert abschließend die Empfehlungen zu der in diesem Artikel untersuchten Fragestellung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Freitag
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
| | - Katrin Jensen
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Informatik (IMBI), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | - Karoline Teufel
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
| | - Marvin Luh
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
| | - Antoaneta Todorova
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
| | - Christopher Lalk
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
| | - Leonora Vllasaliu
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Autismus-Therapie- und Forschungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
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Kitzerow J, Hackbusch M, Jensen K, Kieser M, Noterdaeme M, Fröhlich U, Taurines R, Geißler J, Wolff N, Roessner V, Bast N, Teufel K, Kim Z, Freitag CM. Study protocol of the multi-centre, randomised controlled trial of the Frankfurt Early Intervention Programme A-FFIP versus early intervention as usual for toddlers and preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (A-FFIP study). Trials 2020; 21:217. [PMID: 32093772 PMCID: PMC7038602 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBI) have been shown to improve autism-specific symptoms in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). NDBI approaches, such as the ASD-specific Frankfurt Early Intervention Programme for ASD (A-FFIP), are based on ASD-specific developmental and learning aspects. A-FFIP is a low-intensity intervention which can easily be implemented in the local health care/social welfare system. The aim of the present study is to establish 1-year efficacy of the manualised early intervention programme A-FFIP in toddlers and preschool children with ASD. It is hypothesised that A-FFIP will result in improved ASD-specific symptoms compared to early intervention as usual (EIAU). Child- and family-specific secondary outcomes, as well as moderators and mediators of outcome, will be explored. METHODS/DESIGN A prospective, multi-centre, parallel-group, randomised controlled, phase-III trial comparing A-FFIP versus EIAU. A total of 134 children (A-FFIP: 67, EIAU: 67) aged 24-66 months at baseline assessment meeting the criteria for ASD (DSM-5) will be included. The primary outcome is the absolute change of the total score of the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC-AT) between baseline (T2) and 1-year follow-up (T6). The treatment effect will be tested, adjusted for relevant covariates applying a mixed model for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes are BOSCC social communication and repetitive-behaviour scores, single ASD symptoms, language, cognition, psychopathology, parental well-being and family quality of life. Predictors, moderators and mediating mechanisms will be explored. DISCUSSION If efficacy of the manualised A-FFIP early intervention is established, the current study has the potential to change clinical practice strongly towards the implementation of a low-intensity, evidence-based, natural early intervention in ASD. Early intervention in ASD requires specialist training, which subsequently needs to be developed or included into current training curricula. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Registry for Clinical Trials (Deutscher Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS); ID: 00016330. Retrospectively registered on 4 January 2019. URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016330.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Kitzerow
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Therapy and Research Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe University, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthes Hackbusch
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Jensen
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Meinhard Kieser
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michele Noterdaeme
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Josefinum Augsburg, Kapellenstrasse 30, 86154, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fröhlich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Josefinum Augsburg, Kapellenstrasse 30, 86154, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Regina Taurines
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Geißler
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitaet Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitaet Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nico Bast
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Therapy and Research Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe University, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karoline Teufel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Therapy and Research Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe University, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ziyon Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Therapy and Research Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe University, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Autism Therapy and Research Centre of Excellence, University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe University, Deutschordenstr. 50, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Herbrecht E, Lazari O, Notter M, Kievit E, Schmeck K, Spiegel R. Short-Term and Highly Intensive Early Intervention FIAS: Two-Year Outcome Results and Factors of Influence. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:687. [PMID: 32765322 PMCID: PMC7381178 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive behaviorally or developmentally based early intervention programs have been shown to be effective in improving cognitive, social communicative, and adaptive skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Besides the definition of relevant outcome predictors, the question of whether early intensive intervention positively changes core autism symptoms in children, as well as their long-term outcome, is an important issue for current research. The primary objective of the current study was to examine whether symptomatic and behavioral changes in children up to 4.5 years with ASD were sustained one and two years after an initial 18 days of intensive FIAS (Frühintervention bei autistischen Störungen) intervention. METHODS We analyzed the data of 32 young children with moderately severe to severe ASD who had been treated at the FIAS center between January 2011 and July 2017 and who had completed their 2-year follow-up in summer 2019. RESULTS ADOS total scores decreased significantly from baseline to the 1-year follow-up and from baseline to the 2-year follow-up (p < 0.01), with the most prominent change being from baseline to 2-year follow-up. The DD-C-GAS, a global scale used to assess four areas of everyday functioning, showed highly significant improvements on all subdomains. We found mostly significant correlations between results on both rating instruments at all time points, yet mostly no meaningful correlation between their changes over time. There was a close and statistically significant relationship between parents' treatment adherence and ADOS scores, indicating that the better parents' treatment adherence, the lower the children scored on the ADOS at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Overall, improvement on both scales was virtually independent of age and autism symptom severity at baseline, suggesting that older (>43 months) and more severely affected children (ADOS total score >20) may benefit from the FIAS intervention to the same extent as younger children do. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study indicate that the FIAS approach of providing an initial highly intensive 18-day intervention period, followed by 2 years of less intensive follow-up care had an impact on the core autism symptoms as well as the adaptive functioning of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Herbrecht
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga Lazari
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Notter
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Esther Kievit
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - René Spiegel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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