Group items tagged

RCT Demonstrates the Efficacy of the LEAP Model of Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the development of interventions for children with autism have expanded greatly in recent years, though most comprehensive interventions have not received systematic, scientific evaluation. One of the few exceptions is LEAP (Learning Experiences�An Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents), a comprehensive intervention for preschool children with autism, developed by Phillip Strain in 1981, that uses a variety of science-based learning techniques. Although LEAP had been shown to improve child outcomes in a prior evaluation, the developers recently implemented a new experimental evaluation comparing full LEAP implementation to a reduced model based only on access to materials. With funding from the National Center for Special Education Research, principal investigator Phillip Strain and his research team conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing classroom implementation of LEAP with training and mentoring by LEAP staff to classrooms in which teachers were only provided with the usual LEAP training manuals and materials. They found that providing preschool teachers with LEAP training and mentoring resulted in greater fidelity of implementation and more positive child outcomes when compared to teachers who were only given the training manuals and materials.

Kelly Camel comes to a halt, and the halls of the Adams Center fall silent. Stretching his arm toward a poster on the wall, he points at a member of the 1996 men's basketball team. "J.R.," he says, in his rudimentary speech.  It's the legendary J.R. Camel, whose athleticism and leaping abilities as a Grizzly were without parallel. His uncle. Kelly can't be like J.R.  He can't run.  He can't jump.  He can't make a shot or pass to a teammate.   But he spends every men's basketball game tucked at the end of the bench. He cheers for the team. He yells at referees. He mimics the gestures of head coach Wayne Tinkle. "He is like a little Energizer Bunny for us," junior forward Derek Selvig said. And although the basketball season is finished, the team's proudest fan is just getting started. Soon, Montana's biggest and most beloved supporter, known to all by his first name, will make fandom his business, opening his own company called Kelly Gear. Kelly was born on Jan. 3, 1978, 3 1/2 months early. He weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces. His chances of survival were one in 100.