Telemonitoring of children with risk indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorder: preliminary findings

PURPOSE: monitor the development of pragmatic skills in children with clinical risk indicators for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) before and after the application of an integrated parental guidance protocol. METHODS: Seven families who had children with clinical risk indicators for autism spectrum disorder and were in the diagnostic process participated in this study. The study was divided into three moments: (1) structured interview with parents and assessment of children's pragmatic skills, (2) virtual sessions with guidance to parents related to the characteristics of the condition and skills that can be developed to favor their development, and (3) reassessment of children's pragmatic skills. Statistical analysis considered occupation of communicative space, use of functions and communicative means at ground zero and post-monitoring. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two evaluation moments, but a greater number was observed in the use of communicative acts and more interactive communicative functions as an outcome. CONCLUSION: The monitoring of children’s pragmatic skills suggests that they present discrete evolution, especially the more interactive ones, after the application of the integrated parental guidance protocol.