Children who screen positive for autism at 2.5 years and receive early intervention: a prospective naturalistic 2-year outcome study.
BACKGROUND
Previous research has stressed the importance of early identification and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders.


METHODS
Children who had screened positive for autism at the age of 2.5 years in a general population screening and then received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were enrolled in an intervention program provided by Swedish habilitation services. The following interventions were available: a comprehensive intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis - Intensive Learning (IL) - in two settings, which included home- and preschool-based (IL Regular) and only home-based (IL Modified) and eclectic interventions.


RESULTS
There was considerable variability in terms of outcome, but intervention group status was not associated with any of the chosen outcome variables.


CONCLUSIONS
The main finding was that the type of intervention was not critical for outcome of adaptive or global functioning. The variability in outcome demonstrates the need for continuous assessments and evaluation of the child's function and behavior throughout the intervention period.
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg; Unit of Child and Adolescent Habilitation; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg.
Birgitta
B
Spjut Jansson
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg; Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg.
Carmela
C
Miniscalco
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg; Department of Psychology, University of Stockholm, Stockholm.
Joakim
J
Westerlund
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NU Hospital Organization, Trollhättan, Sweden.
Anne-Katrin
AK
Kantzer
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.
Elisabeth
E
Fernell
Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.
Christopher
C
Gillberg
ABA; autism spectrum disorder; cognitive function; early intervention; follow-up; preschool children