First Step to Success: Applications to Preschoolers at Risk of Developing Autism Spectrum Disorders

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatric Behavioral Health
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in preschoolers is often undiagnosed, yet behavioral issues may lead to intervention referrals.
• The efficacy of early behavioral interventions for children at risk for ASD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "First Step to Success" program for preschool children identified as at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Main Methods:

• A subsample of 34 preschool children at risk for ASD was analyzed from a larger randomized controlled trial (N=126).
• Outcome measures assessed improvements in behavioral and symptom severity.
• Process and fidelity measures evaluated program feasibility and social acceptability.

Main Results:

• Children at risk for ASD showed significant improvements in seven out of 11 outcome measures.
• Responder analyses indicated positive effects based on symptom severity.
• The "First Step to Success" program demonstrated feasibility and social acceptability.

Conclusions:

• The "First Step to Success" program is a potentially beneficial early intervention for preschool children at risk of developing ASD.
• Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention for at-risk preschoolers.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact of such interventions.