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Running head: EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY INTERVENTION
Effectiveness of Early Intervention Programs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Shahumaad I. Jones
Southern New Hampshire University
July 9, 2019
EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY INTERVENTION
2
Abstract
This study examined whether or not African-American children with a diagnosis of
autism spectrum disorder who received a specific type of early intervention service fared
better than those children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who did not receive
early intervention services. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between the
ages of 2 and 6 (N-1500) were divided into a control group (N-500; 125 Caucasian; 250
African American; 125 Hispanic) and two experimental groups, Naturalist Behavior Programs
(N-250 African-American; 125 Hispanic; 125 Caucasian) and Applied Behavioral Analysis
Training [ABA] (N-250 African-American; 125 Hispanic; 125 Caucasian). It is predicted that
African American children who receive early intervention services will improve in areas of
delay, which is consistent with earlier research that suggest that “earlier intervention leads to
better outcomes” (Corsello, 2005, p.82) and that while there are variations in the success rates
of specific interventions, the outcomes are favorable; therefore, no specific intervention
should be used over another as it depends upon the child as to which intervention will warrant
better results. All children, regardless of race, who receive no early intervention services will
not show an improvement in the areas of developmental delays.
EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY INTERVENTION
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Effectiveness of Early Intervention Programs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Over the past several years, there has been a rise in the prevalence of autism among
children. According to Autism Speaks (2018) The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s annual update, based upon medical records from 2014, indicate a “15% increase
in prevalence nationally: to 1 in 59 children from 1 in 68 two years previous” (para. 1). It is
believed that this increase is due to improved monitoring and diagnosis; physicians are
becoming better at recognizing autism spectrum disorder in under-identified populations.
According to the American Psychiatric Association [APA], Autism Spectrum Disorder is a
neurobiological disorder that causes impairments in social interactions and delays in language
acquisition or lack of communication skills and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns
