Preschool Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Effectiveness Studies
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Tupou, J., van der Meer, L., et al. (2019).
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6(4), 381-402.
This systematic review investigates the effect of early intervention on a variety of outcomes (e.g., verbal responses/expressive communicative acts, social initiations, participation with peers) in preschool children, 12-72 months old, on the autism spectrum.
Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand)
2000 to 2017
Group designs; single-case designs
16
The included studies investigated either specific skills, such as communication, play skills, and peer interaction, or one of the following comprehensive interventions for young children on the autism spectrum:
<ul>
<li>Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH);</li>
<li>Learning Experiences and Alternative Program for Preschoolers (LEAP); or</li>
<li>Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI).</li>
</ul>
"Overall, the results from the present review suggest that interventions delivered by teaching staff in an inclusive preschool setting can be effective in improving outcomes" for children on the autism spectrum (p. 397). Only six of the 16 included studies met quality requirements for measurement of social validity. All six of the included studies reported positive feedback from participating teaching staff.
