Early care for children with autism spectrum disorders based on the principles of the Denver Model – evaluation of the results of a low-intensity program

Abstract

This original study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-intensity early intervention program based on the principles of the Denver Model. To this end, 26 children with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 24 and 43 months were enrolled in a low-intensity early care program developed on the basis of the Mental Health Center of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "PIMU" of the Russian Ministry of Health, twice a week for an hour. A prerequisite was the presence of parents at the child's individual lessons with a teacher and attendance at the educational program "Parenting skills training. 9 steps". The dynamics in the development of children's skills were assessed using the Merrill-Palmer-Revised Development Scales and the list of target skills of the Denver Early Intervention Model. Evaluation of the study results showed that the level of skill development in children with autism spectrum disorders improved significantly in several areas after completing the program. At the same time, at this stage it is impossible to say with certainty that this was due to the influence of the program.