A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Play-Based, Peer-Mediated Pragmatic Language Intervention for Children With Autism.

ABSTRACT: Purpose:This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a play-based pragmatic language intervention for children with autism. Methods:A sample of 71 children with autism were randomized to an intervention-first group (n = 28 analyzed) or waitlist-first (n = 34 analyzed) group. Children attended 10, weekly clinic play-sessions with a typically developing peer, and parents mediated practice components at home. The Pragmatics Observational Measure (POM-2) and the Social Emotional Evaluation (SEE) evaluated pragmatics before, after and 3-months following the intervention. Results:POM-2 gains were greatest for intervention-first participants (p = 0.031, d = 0.57). Treatment effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001-0.05, d = 0.49-0.64). POM-2 scores were not significantly different in the clinic and home settings at follow-up. Conclusion:Findings support the combination of play, peer-mediation, video-feedback and parent training to enhance pragmatic language in children with autism.

SUBMITTER: Parsons L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6776827 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature