ISSN : 2663-2187

Starting Early: The Benefits of a Parent-Centered Approach Intervention to

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K S Minu, Dr. Rahul Tiwari
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.2.2024.1580-1587

Abstract

The provision of psychological and social care is regarded as the cornerstone of autism therapy in India. Despite this, the delayed diagnosis of autism, often not occurring until children reach the age of four, results in missed opportunities for early intervention, potentially hindering overall development. Additionally, the developmental diversity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to a scarcity of systematic, evidence-based research on the efficacy of various therapies. This study aims to address these gaps by implementing a holistic intervention designed to evaluate and enhance children's development across multiple domains, including fine and gross motor skills, adaptive skills, cognitive development, social communication, and social development. Our proposed intervention utilizes a randomized design, comparing outcomes between a group receiving standard care and a group receiving the experimental treatment, with parents serving as the primary communicators for their children. We hypothesize that this approach will facilitate early detection, prompt care, and improved outcomes for children with autism in India. Methods: The study involved enhancing standard care with daily four-hour sessions for parents over six days, with the seventh day reserved for home activities, focusing on the holistic development of their children. Seventy children at risk for ASD, as indicated by the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised, With Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)™, were randomly assigned to either the standard care group or the experimental group. Stratification was based on age and baseline data. Outcomes were assessed using standardized instruments at four intervals over a two-month period. Results: The study reported no dropouts, and both groups received consistent routine care throughout the research period. The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all domains assessed by the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS®-3), including fine and gross motor skills, adaptive skills, cognitive development, social communication, and social development. Conclusion: The Pre-Post Comparative Design utilizing randomization proved feasible and was well-received by parents. The findings indicate substantial additional benefits of the holistic intervention for children under the age of two, compared to conventional care. This study advocates for further research with larger sample sizes and extended durations to corroborate these findings and supports the implementation of similar randomized controlled trials in this field.

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