Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Jun;83(3):554-63.
doi: 10.1037/a0039080. Epub 2015 Mar 30.

Randomized comparative efficacy study of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers with autism

Connie Kasari  1 , Amanda Gulsrud  2 , Tanya Paparella  2 , Gerhard Hellemann  3 , Kathleen Berry  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized comparative efficacy study of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers with autism

Connie Kasari et al. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: This study compared effects of two parent-mediated interventions on joint engagement outcomes as augmentations of an early intervention program for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method: Participants included 86 toddlers (range 22-36 months) with ASD and their primary caregiver. Caregiver-child dyads were randomized to receive 10 weeks of hands-on parent training in a naturalistic, developmental behavioral intervention (joint attention, symbolic play, engagement and regulation-JASPER) or a parent-only psychoeducational intervention (PEI). Dose was controlled in terms of researcher-parent contact and early intervention services received by the child.

Results: Results yielded significant effects of the JASPER intervention on the primary outcome of joint engagement. The treatment effect was large (Cohen's f² = .69) and maintained over the 6-month follow-up. JASPER effects were also found on secondary outcomes of play diversity, highest play level achieved, and generalization to the child's classroom for child-initiated joint engagement. The PEI intervention was found to be effective in reducing parenting stress associated with child characteristics. All secondary effects were generally small to moderate.

Conclusions: These data highlight the benefit of a brief, targeted, parent-mediated intervention on child outcomes. Future studies may consider the combination of JASPER and PEI treatments for optimal parent and child outcomes. Trial registry no. NCT00999778.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Recruitment Flow Diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2
Time in Joint Engagement (in seconds)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Classroom Joint Engagement (in minutes)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Adamson LB, Bakeman R, Deckner DF. The development of symbol infused joint engagement. Child Development. 2004;75(4):1171–1187. - PubMed
    1. Brereton A, Tonge B. Preschoolers with autism: An education and skills training programme for parents. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2005.
    1. Carter AS, Messinger DS, Stone WL, Celimli S, Nahmias AS, Yoder P. A randomized controlled trial of Hanen’s ‘More Than Words’ in toddlers with early autism symptoms. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2011;52(7):741–752. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Cidav Z, Marcus S, Mandell DS. Implications of childhood autism for parental employment and earnings. Pediatrics. 2012;129(4):617–623. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd. Hillsdale, N.J: L. Erlbaum Associates; 1988.

Publication types

Associated data