the need for predictability and Support for family members routine, and with challenging via partnership with behaviours, obsessions, and professionals involved in ritual behaviours. treatments. Support for children in their transition from the preschool classroom. and duration of intervention Amount, timing and should be based on individual duration of treatment needs. The Individual variation amount of intervention is It usually described as number of is important to account for the hours of treatment per week. whole spectrum of autism Fifteen to twenty-five hours per disorders and to recognise that no week is generally recommended one child with autism will have for autism early intervention in the same pattern of strengths and the research literature (Roberts & needs as another. In addition, Prior, 2006) with some programs families differ in their goals, recommending as much as 40 strengths, and needs. hours per week. Hence, no one program will suit Quality of intervention is as all children with autism and their important as quantity. families. There are benefits from Intervention should start as soon early, intensive, family-based as characteristics of ASD are treatment programs, so long as noted and continue for as long as these are adapted to the child’s required. Characteristics of pattern of strengths and autism are lifelong, however the weaknesses and take account of need for support varies among family circumstances. individuals and according to their age and stage. Intensity, timing
the need for predictability and routine, and with challenging behaviours, obsessions, and ritual behaviours. Support for children in their transition from the preschool classroom. Support for family members via partnership with professionals involved in treatments. Amount, timing and duration of treatment The amount of intervention is usually described as number of hours of treatment per week. Fifteen to twenty-five hours per week is generally recommended for autism early intervention in the research literature (Roberts & Prior, 2006) with some programs recommending as much as 40 hours per week. Quality of intervention is as important as quantity. Intervention should start as soon as characteristics of ASD are noted and continue for as long as required. Characteristics of autism are lifelong, however the need for support varies among individuals and according to their age and stage. Intensity, timing and duration of intervention should be based on individual needs. Individual variation It is important to account for the whole spectrum of autism disorders and to recognise that no one child with autism will have the same pattern of strengths and needs as another. In addition, families differ in their goals, strengths, and needs. Hence, no one program will suit all children with autism and their families. There are benefits from early, intensive, family-based treatment programs, so long as these are adapted to the child’s pattern of strengths and weaknesses and take account of family circumstances.
6006_-_accessible_-_early_intervention_practice_guidelines_0.docx