PLAY Project Home Consultation intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) affect young children, necessitating effective interventions.
• Parent-child interaction is crucial for early development in children with ASDs.
• Community services (CS) offer support but may benefit from supplementary models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project Home Consultation model.
• To assess the PLAY model's effectiveness in improving parent-child interaction, child development, and autism symptomatology.
• To compare the PLAY model combined with CS versus CS alone in young children with ASDs.

Main Methods:

• 128 children (aged 2y 8m to 5y 11m) with ASDs were randomized into a 1-year study.
• PLAY consultants coached caregivers monthly using videotape feedback.
• CS included speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and public education.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in parent and child interactional behaviors were observed.
• Functional development improved, though language and developmental quotients did not differ significantly by group.
• Children in the PLAY group showed improvements in diagnostic categories on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
• PLAY intervention did not increase caregiver stress and decreased depressive symptomatology.

Conclusions:

• The PLAY intervention demonstrated significant positive changes in parent-child interaction.
• The model proved effective without increasing parental stress or depression.
• PLAY offers an effective and relatively inexpensive intervention for children with ASDs and their families.