Parent training and low-intensity one-on-one therapy

This study looked at the impact of a combined programme of parent coaching and low intensity one-on-one therapy for autistic children.

Parents were given one hour of ESDM coaching each week for 12 weeks. This was followed by 12 weeks of one-to-one therapy for the children, at a rate of two sessions each week.

The participants were four three-year-old autistic children.

Main findings

• All four children showed improvements in engagement with their parent and the therapist.
• All four children showed some improvement in communication or imitation with their parent or the therapist.
• All four parents showed some improvement in their use of ESDM techniques.