RESUMO
This study is the second in a series evaluating the effectiveness of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) to address unique deficits inherent in autism spectrum disorders. RDI is a parent-based, cognitive-developmental approach, in which primary caregivers are trained to provide daily opportunities for successful functioning in increasingly challenging dynamic systems. This study reviewed the progress of 16 children who participated in RDI between 2000 and 2005. Changes in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), flexibility, and school placement were compared prior to treatment and at a minimum 30 month follow-up period. While all children met ADOS/ADI-R criteria for autism prior to treatment, no child met criteria at follow-up. Similar positive results were found in relation to flexibility and educational placement. Generalizability of current findings is limited by the lack of a control or comparison group, constraints on age and IQ of treated children, parent self-selection, and parent education conducted through a single clinic setting.
Assuntos
Síndrome de Asperger/terapia , Transtorno Autístico/terapia , Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento Infantil/terapia , Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental/métodos , Educação/métodos , Relações Interpessoais , Síndrome de Asperger/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Asperger/psicologia , Transtorno Autístico/diagnóstico , Transtorno Autístico/psicologia , Criança , Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento Infantil/diagnóstico , Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento Infantil/psicologia , Pré-Escolar , Comunicação , Educação Inclusiva , Expressão Facial , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Lactente , Inclusão Escolar , Masculino , Determinação da Personalidade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Ajustamento Social , Meio SocialRESUMO
Quality of Life (QoL) is a critical measure of treatment outcome for people with mental and physical health concerns. However, little research has been conducted toward evaluating outcomes in autism by utilizing real-world measures, such as employability, self-sufficiency, and social support to gauge treatment success, despite longitudinal research that indicates poor outcomes for people with autism. Utilizing QoL indicators as the standard for developing treatments and evaluating outcomes in autism is advantageous. After a brief description of the domains and indicators comprising QoL, this paper reviews the literature describing the course of autism, followed by an examination of indicators which contribute to QoL for people with autism in particular. In conclusion, a model for utilizing QoL indicators to measure and evaluate outcome for people with autism will be proposed.