Caregiver-Mediated Intervention and the Achievements for Little Learners Model

Abstract

ASD risk can be identified in infants and toddlers. Therefore, effective interventions tailored to the developmental characteristics of this young population are needed. Caregiver-mediated approaches provide a cost-effective venue for high-dosage immersion of children in enriched and scaffolded engagement experiences. This chapter examines caregiver-mediated approaches designed for infants and toddlers with ASD or ASD risk. A review of the literature is provided on features of interventions showing promising or limited treatment effects. The Achievements for Little Learners caregiver coaching and child intervention program, designed by the authors, is described. This intervention was designed to address gaps in existing intervention approaches by combining adult-learning principles and naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI), as well as translating principles from embodied cognition and situated learning theories to create a potent learning environment for caregivers and their children. The design of the Achievements for Little Learner program also was intended to support caregivers' adaptation to the ASD diagnosis or ASD concerns and their emotional resolution and to assist in the emotional resolution process. Preliminary data showing promise of the intervention for improving caregiver fidelity of implementation of intervention strategies and child outcomes is provided.