Adapting the preschool environment to the needs of children on the autism spectrum in Sweden: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background

Children on the autism spectrum may receive Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) in Sweden to support development by providing learning opportunities. However, research suggests a need to improve the quality of their learning environment.

Aim

This pre-registered study (#NCT03634761) aimed to evaluate the Swedish Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS-P-SE) as a means to promote the quality of the pre-school learning environment for children on the autism spectrum, along with outcomes for these children, and their pre-school staff.

Material and methods

In a quasi-experimental study, pre-school staff (n = 35) conducted either EIBI supported by in-service training and on-site coaching based on APERS-P-SE assessment (at k = 9 preschools) or EIBI only (k = 8), during an 8-months period.

Results

The quality of the immediate learning environment (primary outcome) increased significantly in the EIBI/APERS-P-SE preschools. However, changes in child and pre-school staff measures were not significant.

Conclusions and significance

In-service training and on-site coaching based on APERS-P-SE assessments can increase the quality of the learning environment in Swedish pre-school. Studies of longer duration and larger sample size are required to determine if using the APERS-P-SE can also achieve desired behavioural change for children-, and impact pre-school staff applying EIBI.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• coaching
• early intensive behavioural intervention
• early intervention
• environmental enrichment
• learning environment

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the families, preschool staff, and habilitation staff, without whom this research would not have been possible.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to report in relation to this article. Hampus Bejnö discloses that he receives royalties for a textbook chapter from Natur & Kultur. Lars Klintwall discloses that he receives royalties from a text book from Natur & Kultur. Ulrika Långh discloses that she receives royalties for a textbook chapter from Natur & Kultur. Samuel Odom discloses that the APERS assessment will be published by Brookes Publishing Company and will generate royalties. Sven Bölte discloses that he has in the last 3 years acted as an author, consultant or lecturer for Medice, and Roche. He receives royalties for text books and diagnostic tools from Huber/Hogrefe, Kohlhammer and UTB publishers.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the Swedish Research Council [Vetenskapsrådet, 2015-01212].