Abstract
Objective Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and behavior and can present in early childhood. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of family-centered early intervention on the quality of social interaction and social interaction skills in infants with suspected autism spectrum disorder using a single-subject design. Method As a single-subject design study, evaluations were conducted at baseline phase A, intervention phase B, baseline phase A′, and follow-up phase. The family-centered early intervention program was implemented during the intervention phase. Family-centered early intervention programs included home environmental modification, play video recording and training, task and feedback, related information training, and question and answer. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up and Evaluation of Social Interaction was used for evaluation. Result Three participants completed the study. After applying the family-centered early intervention program, the quality of social interaction and social interaction skills of all participants improved. In addition, the risk of autism spectrum disorder in all participants was reduced. Conclusion Family-centered early intervention was confirmed to have a positive effect on the improvement of social interaction skills in infants with suspected autism spectrum disorder.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and behavior and can present in early childhood [1]
The ABA design was used for the single participants and included participant recruitment, baseline phase A, intervention phase B, baseline phase A′, and follow-up phase [20]
Participant 1 showed an increase of 273% from the mean 3.0 during baseline phase A to 8.2 after the intervention
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and behavior and can present in early childhood [1]. Children with ASD have difficulties in forming relationships with others and are indifferent to social stimuli [2]. Social interaction and communication are the most important challenges in children with ASD [3]. Symptoms of ASD usually appear within the first 2 years of life [1]. Intervention before 3 years old indicates a positive prognosis for the development of social interaction and communication skills [4]. Early intervention in early childhood, when neuroplasticity is most active, can improve social interaction and communication functions in those with ASD [7]
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