A follow-up study of early intensive behavioral intervention program for children with Autism in Syria.

Researchers followed 66 children with autism in Syria for 3 years after they finished an intensive behavioral therapy program. The good news: many benefits lasted, including better daily living skills and reduced autism symptoms. However, social skills may have gotten worse after the program ended. Children who had more therapy sessions per week showed greater improvements. This study shows that intensive early intervention can have lasting benefits, even in challenging circumstances.

This Syrian follow-up study examined the long-term effects of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) on 66 children with autism spectrum disorder three years after program completion. Using standardized assessments (CARS, ABC, ABS-Arabic), researchers found sustained positive effects in adaptive behavior and autism symptoms. However, social skills may have declined following service withdrawal. A significant negative correlation was observed between autism severity (CARS scores) and weekly trial frequency, suggesting dose-response benefits.

The study provides valuable evidence for EIBI effectiveness in a resource-limited, conflict-affected region, though researchers acknowledge limitations in sample size and study design that warrant future investigation.

EIBI shows promise for sustained benefits in autism treatment, even in resource-limited settings. However, social skills may require ongoing support post-intervention. The dose-response relationship suggests optimizing intervention intensity. Findings support continued EIBI implementation while highlighting the need for transition planning and maintenance strategies.

Small sample size of 66 participants, lack of control group, potential selection bias, and acknowledged need for more rigorous study design. The study setting in conflict-affected Syria may limit generalizability to other contexts.

We examined the sustained effects of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) on 66 children with autism spectrum disorder who participated in the Future Center's EIBI program. Children were assessed using the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), autism behavior checklist (ABC), and adaptive behavior scale (ABS-Arabic) 3 years after leaving the program. Continued positive effects were observed in several areas, including adaptive behavior and autism symptoms. However, participants' social skills might have declined on the ABS-Arabic after service withdrawal.

Additionally, a significant negative association (p < .001) was found between participants' performance on the CARS and the number of weekly trials. This is encouraging, given the lack of EIBI services and regional instability. Future research should increase the sample size and use a more rigorous design.