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Models of Service Delivery for Families with Children with Autism: From Early Identification to Parent Education |
Sunday, May 27, 2007 |
3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
Elizabeth G |
Area: AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
Chair: Daniel Adam Openden Ph.D., BCBA-D (University of California, Santa Barbara) |
Discussant: Daniel Adam Openden Ph.D., BCBA-D (University of California, Santa Barbara) |
Abstract: The literature suggests that intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders should begin as early as possible, involve families, and be delivered in natural settings and environments. First, this presentation will outline a model for early identification of, and family support for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The three components of this model will be presented along with data-based findings. The first component focuses on outreach to pediatricians to facilitate earlier identification of children at risk for the disorder. The second component details screenings for ASD and the third component describes the implementation of a Family Support Package for those children indicating a high risk for developing ASD. Next, a model for disseminating empirically supported treatments will be presented. The training model was evaluated with a randomized clinical trial and showed significant differences between the treatment and waitlist control groups at post-test on fidelity of implementation, elevated expressions of positive affect, responsivity to opportunities for language, and functional verbal utterances. The results are discussed in relation to their implication for utilizing a group parent education workshop format to train parents with children with autism. |
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Effectiveness of a Group Parent Education Workshop Intervention for Multiple Families of Children with Autism. |
DANIEL ADAM OPENDEN PH.D., BCBA-D (University of California, Santa Barbara) |
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine, through a randomized clinical trial under real world conditions, the efficacy and effectiveness of training a group of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders within a group parent education workshop. Thirty-two parents of children with autism were matched by their fidelity of implementation of PRT intervention procedures scores and then randomly assigned to either a treatment or waitlist control group. Following participation in a four day workshop, significant differences between the treatment and waitlist control groups at post-test were found on fidelity of implementation, elevated expressions of positive affect, responsivity to opportunities for language, and functional verbal utterances. The data suggest the efficacy and effectiveness of a group parent education workshop for training parents with children with autism as one component of a comprehensive intervention plan. |
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First S.T.E.P.: A Program Description of a Screening Project for Young Children at Risk for Autism or Developmental Delays. |
NICOLETTE NEFDT (University of California/Autism Research & Training Center), Robert L. Koegel (Koegel Autism Center, University of California), Lynn Kern Koegel (University of California, Santa Barbara), Sharon Elmensdorp (Koegel Autism Center) |
Abstract: The early identification of children with autism has important implications for early intervention and behavioral outcomes. Research suggests that children may be reliably identified before the age of 36 months and that those children receiving earlier intervention have better long term outcomes. This presentation describes the development of a model for community-based early identification and family support for autism spectrum disorders. Several components of the project will be discussed along with data-based findings that were evaluated within the context of rigorous statistical analysis and multiple baseline designs. The first component focuses on outreach to pediatricians to facilitate earlier identification of children at risk for the disorder. Data collected from pediatricians after trainings suggest an increase in pediatrician awareness about the early indicators of autism spectrum disorders. The second component details screenings for autism spectrum disorders in a community-based setting and the third component demonstrates the implementation of a Family Support Package for those children indicating a high risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Data collected since the implementation of the screening project suggests that this is an effective model for the early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders and an effective means of referring children for early intervention services. |
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