Infants & Young Children: 
October/December 2011 - Volume 24 - Issue 4 - p
344–363; doi:10.1097/IYC.0b013e31822cf700
Original Study
Parent and Multidisciplinary Provider Perspectives on Earliest Intervention
for Children at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Stahmer, Aubyn C. PhD; Brookman-Frazee, Lauren PhD; Lee, Ember PhD; Searcy, Karyn MA, CCC-SLP; Reed, Sarah MA

Abstract
Early identification and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children younger than age 3 years is becoming an increasingly
common area of concern and study. Research suggests that systematic, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the cost of caring
for children with ASD through the lifespan. Therefore, it is imperative that evidence-based practices (EBPs) for this young age group are translated
effectively into community settings. One method of promoting EBPs and developing  capacity for implementation is active collaboration between researchers and
community stakeholders. This requires a precise understanding of the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the benefits and barriers of specific
practices and early intervention in general. In the current study, we gathered feedback from families and a multidisciplinary group of community providers
regarding early intervention values for infants/toddlers at risk for ASD and their families through focus groups. The opinions and values of the community
sample were examined using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to facilitate efforts to build long-term capacity for implementing efficacious ASD
intervention for children younger than 3 years. Results indicated that, the values of community providers and parents were highly similar and were aligned
with EBP strategies. Recommendations for translating EBPs for this population into community settings are discussed.

 ©2011Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.