The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Early Intervention Research program (EIRP) for children with Autistic Disorder (AD) at the Flinders University of South Australia. Although based on traditional ABA programs, the EIRP differs in that each child's program is individualised and targets core deficit-linked behaviours (eg., imitation & joint attention), rather than targeting dominant secondary behaviours (i.e., stereotypic rituals & routines). Children underwent a 2 week 10x3 hour clinic-based intervention followed by an 18 week home-based intervention. It was hypothesised that by intensively targeting the core deficit-linked behaviours, these behaviours may be reduced or ameliorated to a point where one can minimise the onset of secondary behaviours. / Eighty-seven children (71 males and 16 females) with a mean age of 42 months participated. A within subjects quasi experimental staggered baseline repeated measures design was used (initial, pre-intervention, 2 week intervention and 20 week final). Analysis of test scores from initial to 20-week follow up assessments showed a general trend towards improvement of autistic symptom severity and an increase in adaptive functioning, beyond that which would have been predicted from baseline measures. / Thesis (MPsy(Clinical))--University of South Australia, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267169 |
| Creators | Morrell, Tracy. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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