Children who screen positive for autism at 2.5 years and receive early intervention: a prospective naturalistic 2-year outcome study

BACKGROUND Previous research has stressed the importance of early identification and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders. METHODS Children who had screened positive for autism at the age of 2.5 years in a general population screening and then received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were enrolled in an intervention program provided by Swedish habilitation services. The following interventions were available: a comprehensive intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis - Intensive Learning (IL) - in two settings, which included home- and preschool-based (IL Regular) and only home-based (IL Modified) and eclectic interventions. RESULTS There was considerable variability in terms of outcome, but intervention group status was not associated with any of the chosen outcome variables. CONCLUSION The main finding was that the type of intervention was not critical for outcome of adaptive or global functioning. The variability in outcome demonstrates the need for continuous assessments and evaluation of the child's function and behavior throughout the intervention period.