2038V - Key Early Intervention Ingredients for Advancing Social and Communication Development in Autistic Children

Early social and communication skills of autistic children are predictive of numerous types of outcomes, even into adulthood. To optimize efficiency and effectiveness of early intervention for autistic children during a formative period of neurodevelopment, understanding key principles from empirical developmental science research and from autism early intervention research is essential. Such research serves as the basis for the practical early intervention implementation concepts to be shared in this presentation. The three primary foci of this presentation include: (1) strategic selection of treatment goal types; (2) strategic selection of treatment materials; and (3) strategic design of treatment activities to maximize child engagement and learning. Participants will be provided with planning guidelines.