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CDC Kerala 9: Effectiveness of Low Intensity Home Based Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in India

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Abstract

Objective

To validate effectiveness of low intensity, home based early intervention (EI) models in autism for countries with low disability resources.

Methods

Fifty-two toddlers and young children were assessed before and after intervention with Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale. Developmental and speech therapists helped mothers assemble low-cost training kits based on the developmental age of the child, gave initial training in the basic behavioral technique to address the three autism symptom clusters at home. Follow-up support was given either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Most of the children were also placed in play-schools. Data was analyzed using appropriate bivariate and multivariate techniques.

Results

There was statistical and clinical amelioration in the severity of autism, with acquisition of social skills and language skills (all P = 0.001) after intervention in children with mild to severe autism. Gender showed a trend in becoming a significant predictor for intervention response.

Conclusions

Low-intensity, home-based EI can be effectively used in situations where there is paucity of disability resources in countries like India, especially in primary-care and community settings.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and support received from staff of Child Development Centre, Kerala, specially Dr. G. Suresh Kumar, Registrar; Ms. Deepa N.R., PS to Director; Mr. Asokan N, PA to Director; Ms. Suja S, Junior Programmer; CDC, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, in conduction of this study.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Source of Funding

This study is supported by Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, 695011, Kerala, India

    M. K. C. Nair, Babu George, G. L. Prasanna, Deepa Bhaskaran & M. L. Leena

  2. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

    Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar Russell, Sushila Russell & Priya Mammen

Authors
  1. M. K. C. Nair
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  2. Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar Russell
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  3. Babu George
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  4. G. L. Prasanna
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  5. Deepa Bhaskaran
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  6. M. L. Leena
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  7. Sushila Russell
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  8. Priya Mammen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. K. C. Nair.

Appendix

Appendix

ᅟ Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Home Based Intervention)
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Nair, M.K.C., Russell, P.S.S., George, B. et al. CDC Kerala 9: Effectiveness of Low Intensity Home Based Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in India. Indian J Pediatr 81 (Suppl 2), 115–119 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1474-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1474-8

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