Pilot Feasibility of a Community Inclusion Preschool Program for Children With Autism

Few studies have reported outcomes from the delivery of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) in group-based community care. Further, while the importance of inclusion for autistic individuals is well established, there is little research on the feasibility of community-based inclusion programs for preschool-aged autistic children. Positive outcomes have been reported from a few model inclusion programs. However, most involved extensive training from researchers, with limited available data on self-sustaining community-based programs. This quasi-experimental study tracked outcomes for 31 autistic preschool-aged children with verbal and play skills close to age level, who were enrolled in a community inclusion preschool program utilizing NDBI. Children, aged 2.5 to 5 years of age at entry, attended the program for 8 to 36 months. Paired sample t-tests indicated statistically significant improvements from time 1 to time 2 on standardized measures of adaptive behavior, social skills, and autism characteristics. Implications for the feasibility of using NDBI for autistic children in inclusive preschool settings and directions for future research are discussed.

Automated summary

Few studies have examined the outcomes of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions in group-based community care. This study tracked the progress of preschool-aged autistic children enrolled in a community inclusion program and found significant improvements in adaptive behavior, social skills, and autism characteristics. The findings highlight the feasibility of using NDBI in inclusive preschool settings for autistic children.