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Overview of Meta-Analyses on Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

This paper presents an overview of 5 meta-analyses of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) published in 2009 and 2010. There were many differences between meta-analyses, leading to different estimates of effect and overall conclusions. The weighted mean effect sizes across meta-analyses for IQ and adaptive behavior ranged from g = .38–1.19 and g = .30–1.09, respectively. Four of five meta-analyses concluded EIBI was an effective intervention strategy for many children with ASDs. A discussion highlighting potential confounds and limitations of the meta-analyses leading to these discrepancies and conclusions about the efficacy of EIBI as an intervention for young children with ASDs are provided.

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Studies included in the reviews are indicated with an asterisk (*). Reviews included in the overview are indicated with a cross (+)

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    Brian Reichow

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Reichow, B. Overview of Meta-Analyses on Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 512–520 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1218-9

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