In a Cochrane analysis of therapeutic or educational interventions for very young children with or at high likelihood for autism, researchers found that certain types of interventions were beneficial. The analysis, published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, included seven reviews which summarised the results of 63 studies from 2009 to 2020.
The analysis found that naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions, developmental interventions, and behavioural interventions were effective.
Heterogeneity in design, intervention and control group, dose, delivery agent, and measurement approach was noted. Inconsistent methodological quality and potential biases were identified.
“We have a growing evidence base that supports the importance of early intervention and its ability to promote communication, adaptive behavior, and facilitate social interactions and relationships. However, there are limitations to this evidence base, which leaves families with some work to do in order to understand which approach is the best fit for themselves, their child, or their family,” said lead author Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH, of Duke University Medical Center.
Source: Wiley
