title: CDC Kerala 9: Effectiveness of low intensity home based early intervention for autism spectrum disorder in India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To validate effectiveness of low intensity, home based early intervention (EI) models in autism for countries with low disability resources.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two toddlers and young children were assessed before and after intervention with Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale. Developmental and speech therapists helped mothers assemble low-cost training kits based on the developmental age of the child, gave initial training in the basic behavioral technique to address the three autism symptom clusters at home. Follow-up support was given either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Most of the children were also placed in play-schools. Data was analyzed using appropriate bivariate and multivariate techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was statistical and clinical amelioration in the severity of autism, with acquisition of social skills and language skills (all P = 0.001) after intervention in children with mild to severe autism. Gender showed a trend in becoming a significant predictor for intervention response.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-intensity, home-based EI can be effectively used in situations where there is paucity of disability resources in countries like India, especially in primary-care and community settings.
authors.affiliation: Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, 695011, Kerala, India, cdcmkc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M K C
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Babu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Prasanna
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bhaskaran
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Leena
authors.forename: Sushila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Priya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mammen
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome