An Evaluation of a Developmentally-Based Parent Training Program for Children With Autism

There are many treatments that claim to be effective for children with autism; however many of these treatments have not been investigated using scientifically rigorous methodology. A variety of developmentally based parent delivered interventions are gaining popularity as a type of treatment parents utilize to improve symptoms related to their child's diagnosis of autism. Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)is a agency that provides a developmentally based parent delivered intervention in the community. Currently, this parent training program has not been evaluated using scientific methodology. Investigation into this community delivered treatment and its effectiveness to improve social and communication deficits will aid clinicians in providing better care for children with autism.

Inclusion criteria

• meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (pervasive developmental disorder) on the basis of clinical evaluation and the research diagnostic methods
• age range between 18 months and 6.11 years
• male or female in good medical health
• will be starting PACE parent training program
• intends on continuing PACE program for a minimum of 12 weeks

Exclusion criteria

• medically unstable (e.g., more than one seizure a month)
• a medical diagnosis that causes autism like symptomology (e.g., Fragile X, Down syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Rett's disorder)