Communication Intervention for Toddlers With Autism

This study tests the blended intervention (J-EMT) in a parent-plus-therapist-implementation
model that has been demonstrated to be effective with other populations.

The J-EMT communication intervention is tailored to the specific social communication
characteristics of children with ASD and is delivered during a critical period in early
communication development for these children.

In this study, the investigators compare this blended intervention (J-EMT) to a business as
usual (BAU) comparison group. Children assigned to the J-EMT group will receive a total of
48, 1-hour direct intervention sessions over six months that will include teaching their
parents to implement J-EMT procedures across daily activities.

The investigators will examine social communication and child vocalizations, expressive and
receptive language, symbolic play, and symbol-infused joint engagement to determine whether
J-EMT changes both a primary functional outcome and the underlying specific skills that
contribute to effective social communication in children with ASD.

Results from this study will indicate the efficacy of this variation of
parent-plus-therapist-implemented EMT (i.e., J-EMT) specifically tailored to the
characteristics of young children with ASD.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Between 24 and 36 months of age

- A diagnosis of ASD as confirmed by the ADOS-2 (module 1)

- Signed informed consent

- Parent willing to be trained

Exclusion Criteria:

- Other diagnosis or disability

- Abnormal hearing and/or vision

- Language other than English is the primary language spoken at home