A Systematic Review of Family-Mediated Social Communication Interventions for Young Children With Autism

Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Pacia, C., Holloway, J., et al. (2022).

Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9(2), 208-234.

This systematic review investigates the effects of family-mediated social communication interventions delivered by parents and/or siblings to children under 6 on the autism spectrum.

Not stated

1980 to 2019

Any experimental design

54

Inconsistent findings were noted regarding the effects of family-mediated social communication treatments for young children on the autism spectrum. Findings were as follows:<br /> <ul> <li><strong>Social Engagement</strong>: These treatments were found to be very effective in improving social engagement in 24% of studies, effective in 36% of studies, questionably effective in 20% of studies, and not effective in 20% of studies.</li> <li><strong>Language and Communication:</strong> These treatments were found to be very effective in improving language and communication in 14.3% of studies, effective in 22.9% of studies, questionably effective in 25.7% of studies, and not effective in 37.1% of studies.</li> <li><strong>Imitation and Play</strong>: These treatments were found to be very effective in improving imitation and play in 18.75% of studies, effective in 25% of studies, questionably effective in 6.25% of studies, and not effective in 50% of studies.</li> </ul> Partial generalization of skills was reported for a majority of studies. Format, setting, and dosage were noted to have an inconclusive impact on treatment effect. Further research is indicated.