Introduction
The study titled A follow-up study of early intensive behavioral intervention program for children with Autism in Syria offers valuable insights for practitioners working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conducted in a region marked by civil unrest, this research highlights the sustained effects of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) on children with autism, emphasizing the importance of consistent intervention even in challenging environments.
Key Findings
The research assessed 66 children who participated in the Future Center’s EIBI program, examining outcomes three years post-intervention using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS-Arabic). The study revealed continued positive effects in adaptive behavior and autism symptoms, although a decline in social skills was noted following service withdrawal.
Notably, a significant negative association was found between participants' performance on the CARS and the number of weekly trials, underscoring the importance of frequent, consistent intervention. These findings are particularly encouraging given the lack of EIBI services and the regional instability in Syria.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, this study reinforces the importance of implementing EIBI programs grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Here are some actionable insights:
- Consistency is Key: Regular and frequent intervention sessions are crucial. The study demonstrated that more weekly trials correlated with better outcomes.
- Focus on Adaptive Behavior: While improvements in adaptive behavior were sustained, social skills regressed post-intervention. Practitioners should prioritize strategies that help generalize social skills across different settings.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The research highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in implementing ABA interventions, especially in non-Western contexts. Practitioners should adapt interventions to fit the cultural and social realities of the children they serve.
Encouragement for Further Research
The study calls for further research to increase sample sizes and utilize more rigorous designs. This is crucial to understanding the long-term effects of EIBI, particularly in diverse cultural settings and conflict zones. Practitioners and researchers are encouraged to explore these areas to contribute to the global understanding of effective autism interventions.
Conclusion
Overall, the study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of EIBI in maintaining skills in children with ASD, even in challenging environments. Practitioners are encouraged to continue providing systematic, intensive instruction to young children with ASD, navigating barriers with the knowledge that their efforts can lead to significant therapeutic outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A follow-up study of early intensive behavioral intervention program for children with Autism in Syria.
