The effectiveness of a language and communication-based group early intervention program for children aged 3 to 5 with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the Language and Communication-Based Early Intervention Group Program (DILTEGEM), implemented with 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old groups of children aged 3 to 6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder on both the children's language skills. Method: This study employed a time-series design, one of the quasi-experimental research designs. The research was conducted with seven children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in early childhood in Anadolu University (DİLKOM). For data collection purposes, the Behavior Language Assessment Observation Form (BLAF) for Children with Autism, the Turkish Communicative Development Inventory (TIGE-1), and the Social Validity Data Collection Form were utilized. Results: It was found that the DILTEGEM program significantly improved various language-related skills such as requesting, imitation, visual matching, labeling, and receptive language based on function, feature, and category in young children with ASD. Although it had no significant effect on conversational skills, both receptive and expressive vocabulary showed meaningful gains. Parental feedback also confirmed the program's high social validity. Conclusion and Suggestions: The study concluded that the DILTEGEM program effectively enhanced language skills in young children with ASD. It is recommended for use in future research to support language and communication development in children with other disabilities as well.