Early Behavioral Intervention, Brain Plasticity, and the Prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors:

Dawson, G.

Source:

Development and Psychopathology, Volume 20, Issue 3, p.775-803 (2008)

Layperson Summary:

Early intervention may be able to prevent autism.

This review article describes how it is possible to find infants who are at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provide therapy in order to prevent autism. The article focuses on early intensive behavioral therapy (such as applied behavior analysis - ABA) as a way to prevent and treat autism. Research now shows that between 75-95% of children who receive intensive behavioral intervention will speak by the age of five. The focus of early therapy is to alter the course of brain development. This happens as the infant moves and works within the parent-child bond.

Scientific Abstract

page last updated 08/14/2008

Or subscribe to feed using a feed reader.