Baby siblings of children with autism have a high chance to develop autism or other developmental conditions like language delay. Hence, it calls for careful monitoring of these baby-sibs and initiation of early intervention for these baby sibs – right at the first sight of atypicalities which often can be seen by 12 months of age.
Infants between 06 to 18 months of age who have an older sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Play based assessments will be carried out to evaluate different areas of development including how the child communicates and interacts.
First, parents will be trained to identify areas that their child needs help with (e.g. orienting to social stimuli). Then, parents will be trained to coach their children in several opportunities that arise throughout the day. This parent mediated intervention will last for 12 weeks. Intervention delivered will not be invasive or harmful.
Your older child will not benefit directly from this study. However, if you wish to avail services for your older child, the team will conduct a detailed evaluation and provide appropriate intervention.
No.
All assessments, intervention, travel charges (to and from the study site) and expenses towards food will be taken care of by the study team.
Once you enroll in the intervention phase of the study, you may be a part of the study from 6 - 12 months depending on the child’s age at recruitment.
Yes. You are free to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any time. It will not affect future treatment for your child.
Or write to us: ssmeera@nimhans.ac.in or ssm.lab.lil@gmail.com
© 2020 by The Infant - Toddler Language Development & Intervention Lab (LiL')
Image courtesy - Latika Roy Memorial Foundation, Dehradun, India