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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

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A one-year prospective follow-up study of a DIR/Floortime parent training intervention for pre-school children with

Kingkaew Pajareya1, Kaewta Nopmaneejumruslers

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Srisanwan Building, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. sikpj@mahidol.ac.th

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

One year of home-based Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)/Floortime parent training significantly improved development in 47% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This intervention also led to a notable decrease in autism severity.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Therapy

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant developmental challenges.
  • Parental involvement is crucial for early intervention in ASD.
  • Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)/Floortime is a recognized therapeutic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a 1-year home-based DIR/Floortime parent training program.
  • To assess the impact of this intervention on the developmental stimulation of children with ASD.
  • To quantify improvements in functional development and autism severity.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-four children aged 2-6 years with ASD participated.
  • Parents received training and coaching for 1:1 interaction based on their child's developmental level.
  • Pre- and post-intervention videotapes were assessed by blinded evaluators.

Main Results:

  • 47% of children showed good improvement (≥1.5 Functional Development Levels) after 1 year.
  • Significant increases were observed in Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) and Functional Emotional Developmental Questionnaire (FEDQ) scores.
  • Significant decreases in Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores were noted (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Home-based DIR/Floortime parent training, averaging 14 hours/week, effectively improved development in nearly half of children with ASD.
  • The intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of autism symptoms.
  • Parental fidelity, child's baseline severity, and developmental status may influence intervention outcomes.
Abstract

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