Follow-Up of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder 1 Year After Early Behavioral Intervention. Issue 4 (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rivard, Mélina; Morin, Marjorie; Mello, Catherine; Terroux, Amélie; Mercier, Céline
• Is Part Of: Behavior modification. Volume 43:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 490
• Page End: 517
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: follow-up -- autism spectrum disorder -- early intensive behavioral intervention -- maintenance; Behavior modification -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 153.85
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445518773692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-4455

Abstract

The effectiveness of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has been demonstrated by many studies and meta-analyses. Although it is considered an exemplary practice in several countries, few studies have investigated the maintenance of gains made in EIBI over time. Thirty-two children were assessed at posttreatment and 1-year follow-up after they attended a low-to-moderate-intensity (10 to 20 hr per week) EIBI program delivered by a public rehabilitation center. Between baseline and posttreatment, children showed significant gains in most areas of intellectual functioning and a significant decrease of autism symptom severity, but no change in adaptive behavior. Gains in intellectual functioning were maintained over a 1-year period after treatment termination, but autism symptom severity had increased to approximately pretreatment levels during that interval. Considerable individual variability was noted in the evolution of outcomes.