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

Abstract

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. © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd.