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Cited by 313Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchBehavioral and Psychological StudiesChild Nutrition and Feeding Issues

The importance of early identification and intervention for children with or at risk for autism spectrum disorders

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Koegel, Lynn Kern, Koegel, Robert L., Ashbaugh, Kristen, Bradshaw, Jessica·2014·International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
DOI 10.3109/17549507.2013.861511
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Abstract

There has been a dramatic rise in the number of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which has led to increased attention paid to assessment and intervention issues. This manuscript agrees with Camarata (2014) that the evidence base for early assessment and intervention should be expanded. However, it disagrees with Warren et al.'s (2011) assumption that there are not empirically validated early interventions. Reliable diagnosis has been documented during infancy and toddlerhood, and evidence suggests that the earlier the onset of intervention, the greater likelihood of an improved developmental trajectory. It is argued that early intervention is more cost and time efficient than a "wait and see" approach. With regard to published studies, the large amount of heterogeneity in the ASD population supports the use of rigorous single case experimental design research. It is an error to limit empirical evidence for treatments to only randomized clinical trials, which have the weakness of masking individual differences. Single case experimental designs examine the effects of intervention beyond typical maturation by allowing for clear estimations of developmental trajectories prior to the onset of intervention, followed by evaluation of the impact of the intervention. This commentary discusses the short- and long-term benefits of early diagnosis and intervention.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Koegel, L. K., Koegel, R. L., Ashbaugh, K., & Bradshaw, J.
Affiliations
University of California, Santa Barbara (US)
Corresponding author
Koegel, Lynn Kern
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2013-12-11
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
50-56
ISSN
  • 1441-7049 (ISSN-L)
  • 1754-9507
  • 1754-9515
DOI
10.3109/17549507.2013.861511
OpenAlex
W2151822194
Cited by
313
References
9
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 34 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 41 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 32 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 1
FWCI
6.76
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, early detection, early intervention, early diagnosis, developmental trajectories, single-case experimental design, evidence base, watch-and-wait strategy, individual differences, cost and time efficiency
MeSH terms
Humans

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