By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on July 17, 2013
An investigation shows that preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve developmentally when high-quality early intervention is delivered regardless of the treatment model used.
Experts say this surprising result may have important implications for special-education programs and school classrooms across the country.
This is the first study designed to compare long-standing comprehensive treatment models for young children with ASD, said Dr. Brian Boyd, a fellow at the University of North Carolina and one of the studys co-principal investigators. Boyd also is an assistant professor in occupational science and occupational therapy in UNCs School of Medicine.
We know that more children are being diagnosed with ASD each year, and that it can cost an estimated $3.2 million to treat each child over a lifetime. Understanding that a child can benefit from a high-quality program, rather than a specialized program, may help reduce those costs by decreasing the need for teachers and other school practitioners to be trained to deliver multiple specialized services, Boyd said.
He stressed it remains important to ensure educators are trained to provide high-quality programs that meet the special behavioral, communication and other needs of children with ASD.
Previous research has shown that when children with ASD have access to early intervention via treatment programs, they improve developmentally.
Until now, however, debate has persisted over which approach to use, said Boyd. The study appeared in the June issue of Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Two frequently used comprehensive treatment models have a long history: LEAP (Learning Experiences and Alternative Program for Preschoolers and their Parents) and TEACCH (now known only by its acronym).
The study examined the relative effects of the LEAP and TEACCH school-based comprehensive treatment models when compared to each other and to special-education programs that do not use a specific model.
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Quality Care Beats Theoretical Model for Autistic Preschoolers