Randomized Controlled Trial of Developmental Reciprocity Treatment in Young Children with Autism.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled 24-week pilot trial compared Developmental Reciprocity Treatment, combining parent training and direct child treatment, with delayed treatment in 37 children aged 2–5 years with autism spectrum disorder and language delay. By 24 weeks, 83% of parents in the intervention group met implementation-fidelity criteria. Controlling for fidelity, the intervention group showed greater improvement on the Social Responsiveness Scale Total Score (F = 5.00; p = 0.034) and the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement scale. No significant group differences were found on three other communication or adaptive-function measures.

Key findings

• By 24 weeks, 83% of parents receiving Developmental Reciprocity Treatment met fidelity-of-implementation criteria.
• Controlling for fidelity, the intervention group improved more on the Social Responsiveness Scale Total Score (F = 5.00; p = 0.034).
• Greater improvement was also reported on the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement scale, but not on the other three assessed measures.

Why it matters

The trial provides preliminary evidence that a developmentally based intervention combining parent training with direct child treatment may improve some aspects of social functioning in young children with autism and language delay. The mixed results across outcome measures underscore that gains in social responsiveness do not necessarily extend to observed communication, adaptive behaviour, or reported language development.

What to keep in mind

This was a pilot trial with 37 children and 24 weeks of follow-up; significant group differences were not observed across all measured outcomes.