Developing a diagnostic and intervention package for 2- to 3-year-olds with autism: outcomes of the frameworks for...

The aim of the research was to develop and evaluate a model of good practice which would make an explicit link between diagnosis and intervention, and so give parents a very clear rationale for the autism-specific yet individualized programme that they were carrying out. It employed an action research design, which essentially is responsive to participants, thus developing a user-friendly model of service. The programme was based on the developmental perspective that the pragmatics of language are the precursors of speech itself and enable both communication and relationship between child and parents. Since these are impaired in autism they should therefore be prioritized in early intervention. Ten children aged 1:10 to 2:9 at assessment, and with a diagnosis of autism, underwent an intervention based on home visits, modelling, workshops and written information, with parents as 'therapists' in naturally occurring situations. Within 18 months all children made substantial progress in social interaction and expressive communication, including gestural and verbal communication.