ABSTRACT

Children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to lack the ability to share attention with an adult when relating to an object or event in the world around them. Young children who have difficulties with social interaction, joint attention may typically be reduced or even lacking. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) concluded that although Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is effective at increasing the number of words used by children for up to three months after intervention, improvements do not seem to be maintained over the longer term. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will include a paediatrician and child and adolescent psychiatrist, a speech and language therapist and a clinical and educational psychologist. The number of specific behavioural and educational approaches that may be effective for children with ASD have been presented. These approaches involve parents delivering the programme, with training and support from professionals.