title: Outcomes of behavioral intervention for children with autism in mainstream pre-school settings.
abstract: We evaluated outcomes for 31 children with autism (2-6 years of age at intake) who received behavioral intervention in mainstream pre-school settings and a comparison group of 12 children receiving treatment as usual. After 2 years, children receiving behavioral intervention had higher IQ scores (Hedges g = 1.03 (95% CI = .34, 1.72) and adaptive behavior composite scores (Hedges g = .73 (95% CI = .05, 1.36). Despite probably fewer intervention hours, these group level outcomes were comparable to studies providing more intensive intervention. Individual child data also showed positive results with 19.4% achieving change at a reliable level for IQ; but a lower percentage than found in recent meta-analysis research. Strengths and weaknesses of the mainstream pre-school delivery model are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Akershus University College, Lillestrøm, Norway. eldevik@online.no
authors.forename: Sigmund
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eldevik
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Hastings
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jahr
authors.forename: J Carl
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008282:Mainstreaming, Education; D008297:Male; D012574:Schools; D016896:Treatment Outcome