Could 'Video Feedback' Therapy Help Curb The Risk Of Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Recent findings published in The Lancet Psychiatry show how therapy that involves "therapy feedback" could potentially help prevent autism from developing in infants at risk for the behavioral issue.

For the study, researchers examined 54 families of babies who were at increased risk of autism due to an older sibling with the condition.

During the study, some of the families were assigned to a therapy program in which a therapist used video feedback to help the parents understand and respond to their infant's individual communication style. Others were put in a control group.

Researchers hoped to improve overall attention spans, social engagement and language development among infants involved in the study.

After five months, they found that those in the video therapy group showed improvements in attention, social behavior and engagement.

"Children with autism typically receive treatment beginning at 3 to 4 years old," said lead study author Jonathan Green, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Manchester in England. "But our findings suggest that targeting the earliest risk markers of autism -- such as lack of attention or reduced social interest or engagement -- during the first year of life may lessen the development of these symptoms later on."

Researchers believe that video feedback could potentially work as a seemingly natural extension of intervention. However, further studies will still be needed in order to determine if video-based intervention could help to reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

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