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Meta-Analysis
. 2019 Nov 8;14(11):e0224362.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224362. eCollection 2019.

Implementation and effectiveness of non-specialist mediated interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sadiq Naveed  1 , Ahmed Waqas  2 , Afshan Naz Amray  3 , Raheel Imtiaz Memon  4 , Nisma Javed  5 , Muhammad Annas Tahir  6 , Sherief Ghozy  7 , Nusrat Jahan  8 , Anum Saeed Khan  9 , Atif Rahman  10
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Implementation and effectiveness of non-specialist mediated interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sadiq Naveed et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, several non-specialist mediated interventions have been developed and tested to address problematic symptoms associated with autism. These can be implemented with a fraction of cost required for specialist delivered interventions. This review represents a robust evidence of clinical effectiveness of these interventions in improving the social, motor and communication deficits among children with autism.

Methods: An electronic search was conducted in eight academic databases from their inception to 31st December 2018. A total of 31 randomized controlled trials were published post-2010 while only 2 were published prior to it. Outcomes pertaining to communication, social skills and caregiver-child relationship were meta-analyzed when reported in > 2 studies.

Results: A significant improvement was noted in child distress (SMD = 0.55), communication (SMD = 0.23), expressive language (SMD = 0.47), joint engagement (SMD = 0.63), motor skills (SMD = 0.25), parental distress (SMD = 0.33) parental self-efficacy (SMD = 0.42) parent-child relationship (SMD = 0.67) repetitive behaviors (SMD = 0.33), self-regulation (SMD = 0.54), social skills (SMD = 0.53) symptom severity (SMD = 0.44) and visual reception (SMD = 0.29).

Conclusion: Non-specialist mediated interventions for autism spectrum disorder demonstrate effectiveness across a range of outcomes for children with autism and their caregivers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow diagram demonstrating study selection process.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Summary effect sizes for symptom severity.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Summary effect sizes for communication skills.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Summary effect sizes for social skills.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Summary effect sizes for motor skills.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Summary effect sizes for parental outcomes.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Risk of bias summary.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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