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Understanding Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)




Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is a specialised approach to supporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their early years. It's a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that aims to address the core symptoms of autism and promote developmental progress. In this blog post, we'll explore what EIBI entails, its principles, and its effectiveness in helping autistic children thrive.


What is EIBI?

EIBI, also known as Early Intensive Behavioural Treatment (EIBT) or Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI), is a structured and intensive therapy program typically initiated during the early developmental years of a child, often between the ages of two and five. It's rooted in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and modifying behaviour.


Key Principles of EIBI:


  1. Early Intervention: EIBI emphasises the importance of early intervention to capitalise on the brain's plasticity and maximise developmental outcomes in children with ASD.

  2. Intensity: EIBI involves intensive and frequent therapy sessions, usually about 20 hours per week, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.

  3. Individualisation: EIBI programs are highly individualised, targeting specific goals and objectives based on the child's strengths, challenges, and developmental level.

  4. Behaviour Analysis: EIBI utilises the principles of behaviour analysis to systematically teach and reinforce desired behaviours while reducing challenging behaviours.

  5. Parent Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in EIBI, as they are often trained to implement strategies and techniques at home to support their child's progress and generalisation of skills.

  6. Data-Driven Approach: EIBI relies on continuous data collection and analysis to track progress, make data-driven decisions, and adjust intervention strategies as needed.



Components of EIBI

EIBI programs typically include a variety of components aimed at addressing various areas of development, including, but not limited to:

• Adaptive Behaviour: Teaching self-help skills, such as toileting, dressing, feeding, and other activities of daily living.

• Cognitive Skills: Enhancing cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and academic readiness.

• Social Skills: Facilitating social interactions, joint attention, turn-taking, and perspective-taking skills.

• Play and Leisure Skills: Promoting imaginative play, engagement with toys, and participation in age-appropriate leisure activities.

• Communication: Teaching language skills, such as verbal communication, sign language, or the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.


Is EIBI effective?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EIBI in improving outcomes for children with ASD. Research indicates that children who receive early and intensive behavioural intervention often show significant gains in language development, social interaction, adaptive behaviour, and cognitive functioning. Moreover, EIBI has been associated with long-term benefits, including increased independence and improved quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.


Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is a valuable and evidence-based treatment approach for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By providing structured and intensive therapy tailored to individual needs, EIBI aims to promote developmental progress and improve outcomes, particularly when initiated during the early years. With its emphasis on early intervention, intensive therapy, behaviour analysis, and parental involvement, EIBI offers hope and support to families help children grow.


Peer Reviewed Studies on EIBI

Title: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention: Outcomes for Children with Autism and their Parents after two years  

Author: Remington et al (2007), Published in American Journal of Mental Retardation  


Title: Using Participant Data to extend the Evidence Base for Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Children with Autism  

Author: Eldevik et al (2010), Published in the American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities  

 

Title: Intensive Early Intervention using Behavior Therapy is the Single Most Widely Accepted Treatment for Autism  

Author: Eric V. Larsson (2008), Executive Director, Clinical Studies, Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention, USA  

 

Title: Applied Behavior Analytic Intervention for Autism in Early Childhood - Meta-analysis, Meta-regression and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Multiple Outcomes  

Author: Virues-Ortega (2010), Published in Clinical Psychology Review  

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