Abstract

Early comprehensive behaviorally based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders: a summary of findings from recent reviews and meta-analyses

Author(s): Iliana Magiati, Xiang Wei Tay, Patricia Howlin

This paper examines current evidence for the effectiveness of early intensive behavioral interventions and other comprehensive preschool, behaviorally and/or developmentally based programs for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data are based on recently published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Individual differences in response to treatment and current evidence on predictors of outcome are examined. The limited research findings available on the long-term outcomes (>4 years after the start of treatment) of young children with ASD who received such interventions are also summarized. Finally, this review discusses challenges in the implementation of evidence‑based early comprehensive interventions for ASD and highlights future priorities in this field.