Newly published research results from latest autism study
Autism is a disorder/variation of brain function with symptoms that appear early in life, generally before the age of three. Children with autism have problems with social instinct and interaction, communication, imagination and behaviour. Autistic traits persist into adulthood but vary in severity. Over the years, the growing body of international research has strongly advocated for early intervention.
A new study led by a group of researchers at the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg has shown the positive impact of an intervention program based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for children with autism. The findings showed that parents who took part in the interventions reported not only experienced an increase in knowledge but also a stronger sense of empowerment.
The qualitative study, which was recently published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, interviewed 14 parents of children diagnosed with autism by the multidisciplinary team. The study was carried out in a small area in Gothenburg, Sweden where the majority of the population is either born outside of Europe or has two parents who were. The in-depth interviews focused on parents’ experiences and perspectives on the feasibility, acceptability, and significance of the ESDM-based program. The findings underscore the importance of early detection coupled with personalised, family-centered interventions.
A principal takeaway from the study was the importance of a holistic approach to autism intervention. Parents underscored the significance of early-stage intervention and the importance of collaboration and teamwork between all actors, including preschool staff, healthcare professionals and the families themselves. The study clearly demonstrated that this comprehensive model not only accommodated the child's individual needs across many developmental areas but also considered the wider need and priorities of the entire family.
The researchers also discovered that the accessibility of the intervention program played a pivotal role in its success.
– “Parents valued the local availability of the program, as it facilitated seamless integration in their daily routines" says Emilia Carlsson, one of the researchers within the study.
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Dr. Emilia Carlsson, speech and language pathologist
Photo: Josefin Bergenholtz
The ESDM program places a strong emphasis on parental education and close collaboration between therapists and parents. Emilia describes that the parents particularly praised the intervention for its pragmatic approach to addressing the everyday difficulties faced by families with children with autism.
– "That makes it easy to adapt both by parents and in collaboration with preschool" says Emilia Carlsson.
Furthermore, parents reported a sense of empowerment from participating in the program. The study revealed that the intervention not only enhanced the parents’ understanding of autism and ESDM strategies but also had a markedly positive impact on their child’s general development. The parents shared that they had gained valuable insights, strengthening their ability to support their child in daily life and improving communication and collaboration with preschool staff.
