REACH: Early Detection and Early Intervention

Early Detection:

Six groups are being recruited for participation in the early detection study:

• Children ages two to five years old who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability, as well as typically developing children of the same age, for a research study to find out more about what causes autism and other developmental disabilities.
• Minority and low income families with a child aged 22-33 months who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder for a study to test the effectiveness of treatments aimed at increasing language and social skills.
• Children aged 33-54 months with autism spectrum disorders who are non-verbal and currently enrolled in behaviorally-based preschools for a research study testing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing language and social skills.
• Toddlers aged 11-21 months with language and social delays who are showing early signs of autism spectrum disorders for a research study that examines intervention strategies for toddlers at risk of developing autism spectrum disorders.
• Families with a history of autism spectrum disorders for a research study that examines the development of social and communication skills of young infants to better understand the early signs of autism.
• Typically developing younger siblings aged three months to eight years with no family history of developmental disorders for a research study of cognitive, language and social development in children.
• Our Delayed Non-Matched to Sample (DNMS) Research Study is currently recruiting three groups of individuals:
  • Children aged 36-54 months with autism spectrum disorders to participate in a research study of memory and learning in children.
  • Children aged 36-54 months with developmental delays to participate in a research study of memory and learning in children.
  • Typically developing children aged 11-28 months to participate in a research study of memory and learning in children.

*All participants must have English as a first language.

Early Intervention:

"I believe that early intervention is the key to future learning for autism. My son has made great progress in many areas, including his social skills. He has developed a better communication system and has reduced most of his separation anxiety. We have been very pleased with his progress and hope to continue it." -- Father of a toddler with autism from the Early Achievements Intervention program

Research has shown the benefits of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities, especially autism. We know that the sooner young children begin intervention, the greater the potential benefit. By acting at just the right time, while a young child's brain is still developing, early intervention can produce significant changes in the child's development.

In our early intervention research program for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders, we are working to determine the most effective treatment approaches for improving speech, language, play and social skills. We combine direct instruction with weekly parent training sessions designed to empower families to become the most informed advocates for their children.

This research is being done to identify important goals for early intervention in the hopes of improving outcomes in toddlers with autism. Enrollment for this study has been completed. Now that we have empirical support for our classroom model, supporting the theory that toddlers show improvement in intervention, we hope that public services to these children will be increased.

For More Information:

Interested in enrolling your child in early intervention?
Learn more about our Early Achievements Research & Training Classroom.