Evaluation of the home-based "Bremen Early Intervention Program (BFA)" - Empowering parents to improve social interaction and communication with their autistic child

The efficacy of an early intensive behavioural intervention program, the "Bremen Early Intervention Program (BFA)" (Germany) is evaluated. Main objectives: • Empowering parents to create effective learning and interaction... [ view full abstract ]

The efficacy of an early intensive behavioural intervention program, the "Bremen Early Intervention Program (BFA)" (Germany) is evaluated.
Main objectives:
• Empowering parents to create effective learning and interaction situations in daily life
• Empowering parents to manage difficult behaviour of their child
• Reducing parental stress
• Reducing autism symptoms
• Stimulating the development of the child
Methodology
The study is not yet completed – first results are presented.
Participants were 16 parents and 8 autistic children (3-5 years) who participated in the project between 2014 and 2016.
The early intervention program is a short-term program (8 months), high intensive (30h / week), home-based, parent-focused and based on behaviour modification techniques.
Standardized developmental and intelligence tests (ADOS-2; ADI-R; PEP-R; SON 2,5-7) and the Parent Stress Index (PSI) are completed at three times: before the waiting period, after the waiting period (8 months), after the early intervention program (8 months). The change in the different areas during the waiting period is compared to the change during the training period.
Results
Parents: The results of the first two years show that they felt less stressed and more competent in dealing their child after the intervention. The parent-child-relationship improved significantly.
Children: The children showed significant improvements in all important areas of development. Their problem behaviour and even their symptoms of autism decreased substantially. Intelligence raised.
There was no or only little change in these areas after the waiting period.
Conclusions
The described early intervention program could be proved to be highly effective for young autistic children and their families.

The project is funded by the "Aktion Mensch" (Germany). The participating families were well informed about the intervention before they decided to take part at the project. Each family was first in the waiting group (regular... [ view full abstract ]

The project is funded by the "Aktion Mensch" (Germany).

The participating families were well informed about the intervention before they decided to take part at the project. Each family was first in the waiting group (regular pre-school-services) and then moved to the intervention group.