Randomized comparative efficacy study of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers with autism

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Early intervention is crucial for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Parent-mediated interventions can enhance treatment efficacy in early childhood.
• Joint engagement is a key developmental outcome for toddlers with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of two parent-mediated interventions on joint engagement in toddlers with ASD.
• To evaluate the JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) intervention against a parent-only psychoeducational intervention (PEI).
• To assess outcomes as augmentations to an existing early intervention program.

Main Methods:

• 86 toddlers (22-36 months) with ASD and their caregivers participated.
• Caregiver-child dyads were randomized to 10 weeks of JASPER or PEI.
• Dose was controlled for researcher-parent contact and child's early intervention services.

Main Results:

• JASPER significantly improved joint engagement, with large, maintained effects.
• JASPER also enhanced play diversity, highest play level, and classroom generalization of engagement.
• PEI effectively reduced parenting stress, with generally small to moderate secondary effects.

Conclusions:

• Brief, targeted parent-mediated interventions like JASPER benefit child outcomes in ASD.
• JASPER demonstrated significant improvements in joint engagement and related skills.
• Combining JASPER and PEI may offer optimal outcomes for parents and children with ASD.