EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
National Health and Medical Research Council Career Development Fellowship; Smart State Fellowship from the Department of Innovation, Queensland (Australia)
Efficacy of Applied Behavioral Intervention in Preschool Children with Autism for Improving Cognitive, Language, and Adaptive Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Spreckley, M., & Boyd, R.
(2009).
Journal of Pediatrics, 154(3), 338-344
Indicators of Review Quality:
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The review addresses a clearly focused question
| No |
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Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| Yes |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| Yes |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| Yes |
Description: This is a review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews and randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that look at the effectiveness of applied behavior intervention (ABI) programs for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Question(s) Addressed:
Question not specifically stated.
Population: Preschool children between 18 months and 6 years with a diagnosis of ASD or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).
Intervention/Assessment: Applied behavior interventions which included direct behavior management for the child, parent education and training, and consultation with caregivers.
Number of Studies Included: 13
Years Included: 1982 – November 2007
Findings:
Conclusions:
- Treatment
- Cognition/Language
- Applied Behavioral Analysis/Discrete Trial Training - “Four randomized or quasirandomized clinical trials met inclusion criteria and had primary outcomes analyzed. The meta-analyses of these studies showed that ABI did not result in significant improvement in cognitive, language, or adaptive behavioral outcomes compared with standard care” (p. 342).
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioral Treatments
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Added to Compendium: December 2011