LADDERS Intervention Shows Promise in Reducing Anxiety in Autistic Children with Severe Intellectual Disability

Researchers have been exploring the effectiveness of the LADDERS intervention, a manualized, parent-led graded exposure therapy, in reducing anxiety-related avoidance in autistic children with severe and profound intellectual disability (ID). A proof-of-concept study using a single-case experimental design with non-concurrent multiple baselines was conducted to assess the feasibility and impact of the intervention. The 16-week LADDERS intervention was primarily delivered online by an Assistant Psychologist under clinical supervision, and primary outcomes were recorded through daily caregiver diaries. Results showed that four of the six children demonstrated reductions in daily-rated anxiety, with moderate to large effects observed in the final intervention phase. Qualitative interviews highlighted improvements in child participation, parental confidence, and understanding of anxiety, with no adverse events reported.

Key Takeaways:

• The LADDERS intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to families, showing early signals of impact in reducing anxiety-related avoidance in autistic children with severe ID.
• Four of the six children showed reductions in daily-rated anxiety, with moderate to large effects observed in the final intervention phase.
• No adverse events were reported, suggesting the safety of the intervention.
• Qualitative interviews highlighted improvements in child participation, parental confidence, and understanding of anxiety.
• The LADDERS intervention was primarily delivered online, making it a potentially accessible option for families.
• The study's small sample size and limited duration may require further investigation to confirm the intervention's long-term impact.

Statistics:

• 6 families completed the 16-week LADDERS intervention.
• 4 of the 6 children showed reductions in daily-rated anxiety.
• Moderate to large effects were observed in the final intervention phase for most participants.
• 5 children progressed through their graded exposure steps without significant increases in observed anxiety.

Sources:

• osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/yqczu_v1/ (Source)