Retrospective evaluation of an intensive method of treatment for children with pervasive developmental disorder

The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate a novel intensive therapy program in young children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Twenty-three children treated at the Mifne Institute in Israel between 1997 and 1999 were assessed. Videos taken before coming to Mifne and after intensive treatment at the institute and before and after another 6 months of continued treatment at children's homes were coded and blind rated by trained personnel using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Social Behavior Rating Scale (SBRS). Total scores on both scales improved significantly after 3 weeks and after 6 months. There were some significant improvements at item level although the magnitude of the changes was modest. Despite the small number of participants, the modest increase in test scores, and the retrospective study design, these preliminary results are promising. There is a case for performing a full prospective, comparative investigation of this treatment approach.