Project Activities
This project proposed four phases of research. In the exploration phase, the researchers planned to obtain a comprehensive understanding of community needs and barriers to serving children with ASD in early intervention. In the following phase, the team proposed to work collaboratively with Part C administrators, providers, and families to adapt the ESDM for use in Part C services. Next, the revised model, Community Adapted Early Start Denver Model (C-ESDM), was to be implemented in diverse Part C agencies using individualized implementation plans. Finally, the pilot study was designed to examine the C-ESDM on implementation and the promise of efficacy for child and family outcomes.
Structured Abstract
Setting
Qualitative data collection and collaboration in adapting the ESDM for diverse, low-resource communities will take place in care settings—including agencies, centers, and homes—in six different states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. The pilot study will take place in low-resource, low-income, highly culturally diverse parts of Alabama, California, and Colorado.
Sample
Part C administrators, providers, and the families they serve will participate in the first phases of the project to adapt and field test the intervention. In phase 1, study participants will include (a) 5 state Part C coordinators, (b) 10 local Part C agency administrators, (c) 20 early intervention providers, and (d) 20 parents or caregivers of children at risk for ASD who have participated in Part C services. In phase 2, participants will include 5 early intervention experts, 10 providers, and 5 administrators from participating states. In the final two phases, implementation and pilot study, three to four providers per agency will participate, with two to three children ages 12-30 months and their families per provider. Overall, approximately 25 providers and 50 children will comprise the final pilot sample.
Intervention
The intervention to be developed is the Community Adapted Early Start Denver Model (C-ESDM). Although the ESDM has demonstrated efficacy, adaptations are needed to make it more applicable for Part C community providers. Based on the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder model, C-ESDM will include implementation teams and coaching for local agencies. The intervention will provide a comprehensive, individualized intervention to enhance the development of young children with ASD through supports for families to incorporate needed learning experiences into everyday routines.
Research design and methods
In phase 1, surveys and structured interviews will be used to obtain an understanding of needed adaptations to ESDM from Part C coordinators, administrators, providers, and families. An iterative process will be used to adapt the intervention and training materials in phases 1 and 2. Phase 3 involves implementation and further adaptations based on the results from prior phases. Fidelity will be assessed and then fidelity measures finalized in this phase. Phase 4 involves pilot testing using a cluster randomized trial to compare the treatment (C- ESDM) group to the control group. These groups will be matched for treatment intensity and random assignment will occur within levels of treatment intensity.
Control condition
The control group will receive services as usual in Part C programs.
Key measures
Outcome measures focus on family functioning, child communication, and social and cognitive development, including the following: Autism Program Environment Rating Scale-Infant Toddler; Bayley Scales of Infant Development-2nd Edition; MacArthur-Bates Child Development Inventory; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale; Pervasive Developmental Disorders Behavior Inventory; Infant Toddler Checklist; and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Additional measures will collect evidence of usability, feasibility, and family and provider satisfaction (via structured interviews and in-depth surveys) as well as fidelity of implementation (via observation data and implementation surveys).
Data analytic strategy
Phases 1 and 2 survey and interview data will be analyzed using mixed methods and a rapid assessment approach to inform adaptations and implementation in phase 3. In Phase 4, the pilot study, a univariate three-level longitudinal mixed-effect (LME) growth curve analyses will be conducted to assess the feasibility and the promise of efficacy of the C-ESDM.
People and institutions involved
IES program contact(s)
Products and publications
ERIC Citations: Find available citations in ERIC for this award here.
Related projects
Supplemental information
Co-Principal Investigators: Rogers, Sally; Stahmer, Aubyn
Questions about this project?
To answer additional questions about this project or provide feedback, please contact the program officer.
