Efficacy of CEITA early intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized controlled trial design

Abstract

Background This study examined the efficacy of the Comprehensive Early Intervention for Toddlers with Autism (CEITA) program for children with autism spectrum disorders in Malaysia. Methods A randomized control trial design was adopted, in which 16 children (mean age= 34.25 months) were assigned to either the intervention group (n=8) or the control group (n=8). Children in the intervention group underwent three months of low intensity (2hrs/week) CEITA program intervention, whereas the control group received no treatment. Autism symptoms and developmental growth scores were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-week follow-up to evaluate the efficacy of the CEITA program. Results Multivariate analysis of covariance results showed a significant intervention effect, whereby autism symptoms were significantly reduced (η2 = 0.36), and growth scores for all developmental domains (η2 = 0.20-0.66) were significantly increased. Conclusion Hence, this study highlights the potential of the CEITA program’s clinical implications, and relevant future research is recommended. Trial registration Reg number: NMRR ID-22-00626-8LB, dated 29th April 2022.