title: Randomized controlled trial for early intervention for autism: a pilot study of the Autism 1-2-3 Project.
abstract: We piloted a 2-week "Autism-1-2-3" early intervention for children with autism and their parents immediately after diagnosis that targeted at (1) eye contact, (2) gesture and (3) vocalization/words. Seventeen children were randomized into the Intervention (n = 9) and Control (n = 8) groups. Outcome measures included the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Ritvo-Freeman Real Life Rating Scale, Symbolic Play Test, and Parenting Stress Index. Children with autism improved in language/communication, reciprocal social interaction, and symbolic play. Parents perceived significant improvement in their children's language, social interaction, and their own stress level. This intervention can serve as short-term training on communication and social interaction for children with autism, and reduce the stress of their parents during the long waiting time for public health services.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Neurology/Developmental Paediatrics/Neurohabilitation, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China. vcnwong@hku.hk
authors.forename: Virginia C N
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Queenie K
authors.initials: QK
authors.lastname: Kwan
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007802:Language; D007804:Language Development; D008297:Male; D009633:Nonverbal Communication / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011581:Psychological Tests; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome