Project ImPACT for Toddlers: Pilot outcomes of a community adaptation of an intervention for autism risk

This study reports child and family outcomes from a community-based, quasi-experimental pilot trial of Project ImPACT for Toddlers that is a parent-mediated, naturalistic, developmental behavioral intervention for children with or at-risk for autism spectrum disorder developed through a research–community partnership. Community early interventionists delivered either Project ImPACT for Toddlers (n = 10) or Usual Care (n = 9) to families based on Part C assigned provider. Twenty-five families participated, with children averaging 22.76 months old (SD = 5.06). Family and child measures were collected at intake, after 3 months of service, and after a 3-month follow-up. Results indicate significantly greater improvements in positive parent–child interactions for Project ImPACT for Toddlers than usual care families, as well as large, but non-significant, effect sizes for Project ImPACT for Toddlers families in children’s social and communication skills.