Kids 0-3 with ASD, what should we target in therapy?
For SLP’s , Parents with kids with ASD, Interventionists, OT’s, educators,
I’m feeling super knowledgable in early intervention for kids with ASD after taking a quick CEU course. Within the last few years the research in autism has made some big gains, and it’s important we are up to date on this. So, what is this juicy info? Well, Tiede & Walton, 2019 noted in their meta analysis research that Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NBDI’s) had significantly positive effects on communication, functional play, communication. NBDI had even larger results for social engagement and cognitive development. This was in comparison to ABA therapy and DSP interventions. So the key here is that NBDI is the most influential intervention for kids with ASD. *don’t forget every child is unique, so not one size fits all.
So, what is NDBI? NDBI has a strong emphasis of intervention that is NATURAL. Think natural as in: happening in the child’s typical environment (i.e. home vs isolated speech room), spontaneous opportunities, natural reinforcers (i.e. positive praise vs food reinforcement), and clear and explicit targets/goals. Some examples of NBDI’s are enhanced milieu teaching, JASPER, Pivotal Response Treatment, and Early Start Denver Model. All of these interventions follow therapy that is natural.
Children with Autism need high treatment intensity at this age. How do we provide high intensity treatment? COACHING PARENTS. Parents will be able to provide NBDI opportunities much more than our short 45 minute lesson. Make the most of your session by providing parents with coaching techniques.
What can I coach parent’s on? Teach parents some things that seem simple, but can make a huge difference if they are repeated every day, many times a day. Try these techniques with parents who want to help their young child with ASD:
Mirror play: imitate facial expressions
Teaching parents to put their face in line of sight of the child’s
Practice turn taking
More pause time after parents use an utterance
Help parents learn how to emerge themselves into the child’s isolated play
Teaching parents how to share interest in a toy and how to make that toy more exciting
Consider videoing the parent so they can see how they look doing these techniques. Once again, every child is unique, so while the research suggests NBDI’s are the most beneficial, it may not work for all.
Go help those little one’s, you can do it!
Love,
