Project DATA for Toddlers: An Inclusive Approach to Very Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Because more children under the age of 3 years are being diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), early interventionists face the challenge of identifying B appropriate programs to meet the unique needs of very young children with ASD and their families. Project DATA (Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism) for Toddlers is an inclusive early intervention program for children between I year and 3 years old who have been diagnosed with ASD and is based on an existing program for preschoolers with ASD at the University of Washington. Project DATA for Toddlers uses the effective preschool model and makes modifications to meet the unique developmental needs of toddlers. In this article, the authors describe the components of Project DATA for Toddlers and present preliminary findings, specifically, child outcome data from the areas of cognition, communication, self-regulation, functional skills, and elementary school placement. They also discuss the implications for early intervention service delivery programs.