A pilot randomised control trial of a parent training intervention for pre-school children with autism. Preliminary findings and methodological challenges.

摘要: Few attempts have been made to conduct randomised control trials (RCTs) of interventions for pre-school children with autism. We report findings a pilot RCT parent training intervention focus on the development joint attention skills and action routines. Twenty-four meeting ICD-10 criteria childhood autism (mean age = 23 months) were identified using CHAT screen group or local services only. A follow-up was conducted 12 months later 35 months). There some evidence that more progress in language than group. However, present study compromised by several factors: reliance parental measure language, non-matching groups initial IQ, lack systematic checking regarding implementation intervention. Furthermore, three parents commenced intensive, home-based behavioural during course study. The difficulties encountered RCTs are discussed. Methodological challenges strategies future well-designed highlighted.