Preliminary Efficacy of Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers: Effects on Parents and Their Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2019 Jul;49(7):2685-2698. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2812-7.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an intervention to support parents and promote skill development in newly diagnosed toddlers with ASD. Participants included 50 children with ASD under 3 and their parents who were randomly assigned to participate in a 6-month intervention, Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers (FITT) or 6 months of community services as usual. FITT included 90-min in-home sessions (n = 20) and parent group sessions (n = 4). Results revealed significant treatment effects on parent stress and well-being, with families in the FITT group showing decreased stress and improved well-being over time. While no treatment effects were found for global child measures, there were significant treatment effects on social communication skills.

Keywords: Early intervention; Parent stress; Rurality; TEACCH.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Early Intervention, Educational / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Social Skills*