Comparing Imitation Responding and IBT for children with ASD, a preschool intervention

The study investigates the effectiveness of two interventions, imitation responding (IR) and intensive behaviour treatment (IBT), on children with autism who attend regular kindergartens in Sweden. 

Both types of interventions increased several of the children’s skills (including playing skills, language skills and eye-motor skills), but not in all who were measured. In summary, both interventions were effective, but the authors of the article point to differences in applicability regarding implementation.

All of the children who were referred to a clinic for children with developmental disorders in Gothenburg, Sweden, between March 2011 and December 2012, are included in the study. The children’s chronological age was between 24 and 48 months, and they had recently received an autism spectrum diagnosis. A total of 40 children met the selection criteria and participated in the study. The participants were randomised into two intervention groups, IR and IBT. The children were assessed before and after the intervention, twelve months later. The assessment was made using two assessment tools: Psycho Educational Profile (PEP-3) and Vineland II. The interventions were implemented by kindergarten teachers and staff at the clinic (IR) or parents and staff at the clinic (IBT).

Janson, B. S., Heimann, M. & Tjus, T. (2020). "Comparing Imitation Responding and IBT for children with ASD, a preschool intervention". Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 20(2):97–108.