Early results from a combined low-intensive psychoeducational intervention for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder

AbstractPurpose: Early and Intensive Behavioral Treatments are considered to be evidence-based interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, children with ASD might not always have the opportunity to benefit from intensive treatment; new, more accessible and alternative treatment options need to be tested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Combined Low-intensive Psychoeducational Intervention (CLI-PEI) delivered to preschoolers with ASD at the end of the pre-primary school day.Methods: A quasi-experimental design study, namely a pretest–posttest alternative-treatment comparison groups design, was used. Treatment sessions were carried out over a period of 12 months. Forty-three individuals with autism were included in the study: 24 received the CLI-PEI and 19 were administered the Treatment As Usual. A pre- and posttreatment assessment was carried out using the Psychoeducational Profile-Third edition and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale.Resul...