Enhancing the communication development of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders

Summary
The diagnosis ASD in children under the age of three years is increasingly possible, and therefore clinicians are more likely to have the opportunity to provide early intervention services to these children and their families. Research on factors affecting outcomes in children with ASD suggests that assessing and promoting play, imitation, and preverbal intentional communication in toddlers with ASD via direct intervention with the children and collaborations with caregivers to promote caregiver responsivity to children and address family needs for support and information may result in improved language, communication, and adaptation for the children beyond what can be achieved when diagnosis and intervention occur at later developmental points. Despite limited research testing communication intervention strategies with toddlers with ASD and a need for expansion of research in this area, clinicians can nevertheless apply concepts supported by the existing literature in developing interventions for toddlers with ASD and their caregivers.