The Early Steps Study
The Early Steps Study will evaluate the impact of intervening with toddlers age 2 and younger who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study is a collaborative effort among researchers at the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorder Center (UMACC), University of California Davis, and the University of Washington. It seeks to determine if intensive early intervention can reduce the language impairments and social deficits associated with autism.
The intervention, the Early Start Denver Model, fuses developmental and relationship-based intervention techniques with applied behavior analysis teaching strategies. It focuses on using play and positive interactions to teach a developmental curriculum designed for each child based on current abilities and interests.
We are currently seeking families with children who are 12-24 months old and have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having autism and live within 1 hour of UMACC. Participating families will be randomized to either an in-home intervention group or a community services group. Families in the community services group will receive community services referrals and clinical support by phone, and offered free parent education classes. Families in the in-home intervention group will receive parent training and intervention provided by project staff 20 hours a week for two years. All participating families will receive free developmental assessments with written reports.
The Early Steps Study is one of two early intervention research studies currently underway at UMACC. Although the recruitment ages for the two studies overlap, openings may not be available in both projects at the same time. However, if openings are available, qualifying families may participate in either project.
Contact:
Julie McCormick
mccormj@umich.edu
734-764-4048
This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00016670). |
