Research
Benefits of Early Engagement
1. Early Assessment: Obtaining a diagnosis of autism early in life is much easier compared to adolescence or adulthood, offering valuable opportunities for timely interventions and support. Studies have shown that early screening at 18 months of age (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015) and early diagnosis facilitated by evidence-based interventions (Chlebowski et al., 2018) result in improved developmental outcomes. Early identification of autism also grants access to essential services and personalized interventions, positively impacting language and adaptive behavior (Georgiades et al., 2018; Ozonoff et al., 2018).
2. Early Intervention: Research (Boyd et al., 2014; Magiati, Tay, & Howlin, 2012; Prior, Roberts, Roger, & Williams, 2011; Warren et al., 2011) shows that early intervention significantly improves a child's development, leading to enhanced social, communication, and daily living skills.
3. Intensive Early Intervention: A recent major report, incorporating AEIOU and NDIS data (released March 2023), demonstrates that with intensive early intervention, children with autism achieve significant development gains, surpassing typical development rates.
4. Improved Communication Skills: Studies (Paynter, Scott, Beamish, Duhig, & Heussler, 2012) have shown that early intervention leads to increased communication skills.
5. Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Research (Vivanti, Paynter, Duncan, Fothergill, Dissanayake, & Rogers, 2014) indicates that early engagement results in improved cognitive skills.
6. Better Daily Living Skills: Evidence from Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales data highlights that early intervention improves daily living skills, including independence and toilet training.
7. Reduced Regression: Without early intervention, approximately 24% of children diagnosed with autism experience regression in their verbal skills (Landa, Stuart, Gross, & Faherty, 2012). However, children who attend AEIOU experience significantly lower regression rates (just 1.15%).
8. ADHD Intervention: Dr. Karl Hill's study (2020) reveals that early intervention for ADHD leads to improved early childhood functioning, reduced teacher-rated behavioral problems, enhanced teacher-rated academic skills, and lower child-report risks for risky behaviors and drug use.