By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on November 7, 2012
Emerging research suggests early treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can significantly improve behavior, stimulate communication and enhance brain function.
Yale School of Medicine researchers have published their study findings in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Researchers Fred Volkmar, M.D., Kevin A. Pelphrey, Ph.D.,and colleagues say the study findings suggest that brain systems supporting social perception can be improved when an early intervention behavioral program is administered.
In the study, investigators used a technique called pivotal response treatment. This treatment includes parent training, and employs play in its methods.
ASDs are complex neurobiological disorders that inhibit a persons ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and are often accompanied by behavioral challenges.
Until recently, the diagnosis of autism diagnosis typically was not confirmed until a child was about three to five years-old. As a result, treatment programs were developed for this older age group.
Today, Volkmar and his team are diagnosing children as young as age one. The combination of an early diagnosis and then application of the pivotal response treatment intervention has been revealing.
Pivotal response treatment, developed at the University of California-Santa Barbara, combines developmental aspects of learning and development, and is easy to implement in children younger than age two.
Functional magnetic brain imaging was used in the current study to measure changes in brain activity after two five-year-olds with ASD received pivotal response treatment.
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New Study: Early Treatment Helps Autism