THE IMPACT OF EARLY BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION ON SOCIAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ADS)
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Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted behaviors, often impairing developmental outcomes. Early behavioral interventions, particularly those integrating Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), have shown promise in enhancing social and communicative functioning.
Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an NDBI-informed behavioral program combined with parent coaching, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU), on improving social and communication skills in preschool-aged children with ASD.
Methods: A total of 100 children were enrolled in the study. All participants were aged between 3 and 6 years and had a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The intervention comprised 15 hours/week of structured NDBI sessions for six months, along with parent coaching. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures (SRS-2, VABS-II) and observational coding of joint attention, communicative gestures, and verbal utterances.
Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in social responsiveness (SRS-2: –13.9 points, p<0.001), communication (+9.4 points, p<0.001), and socialization (+9.8 points, p<0.001) on VABS-II. Observational measures revealed robust gains in joint attention initiations (+4.5), responses (+4.9), gestures (+4.7), and verbal utterances (+7.4), all p<0.001. Control group changes were minimal and nonsignificant. Retention rates were high, and treatment fidelity exceeded 90%.
Conclusion: Early behavioral intervention informed by NDBI principles significantly enhanced social and communication skills in young children with ASD, with high feasibility and acceptability in community-based settings. These findings reinforce the clinical and developmental value of early, structured, and parent-supported interventions.
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