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Autism

Detecting Change in Autism Intervention Using the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Cape Town conducted a proof-of-principle study to evaluate the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory (JERI) in detecting changes in behavior in young autistic children and their caregivers in response to intervention. The JERI was found to be a reliable and accurate measure of joint engagement and communication between child and caregiver. The study aimed to determine if the JERI could detect signals of change in behavior following 12 hours of naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention-informed caregiver coaching sessions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Joint Engagement Rating Inventory (JERI) can be used to measure response to early autism intervention and detect changes in behavior in young autistic children and their caregivers.
  • The study found significant changes in symbol-infused joint engagement (z = -2.46, p = 0.01) and expressive language (z = -2.156, p = 0.03) following the intervention.
  • The JERI was shown to be a potential outcome measure for early autism intervention research in the South African context.
  • The study involved 10 dyads (child and caregiver pairs) and used standardized video-recorded interactions before and after the intervention.
  • The JERI displayed moderate to strong inter-rater agreement (weighted Kappa values) for 13 of the 16 items.
  • The study's findings suggest that the JERI has the potential to detect change in the context of a caregiver-mediated intervention.

Statistics:

  • 10 dyads (child and caregiver pairs) completed the 12 hours of coaching and video-recorded assessments.
  • The study used a single-arm pre-post design to evaluate the JERI.
  • The JERI showed significant changes in symbol-infused joint engagement (z = -2.46, p = 0.01) and expressive language (z = -2.156, p = 0.03).
  • Weighted Kappa values for 13 of the 16 JERI items indicated moderate to strong inter-rater agreement.
  • The study found change signals in 15 JERI ratings.

Sources:

  • "Detecting change in a caregiver-mediated autism intervention using the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory." South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 2025,72(1):e1-e11. (South African Journal of Communication Disorders - http://sajcd.org.za)
  • NewsRx. "Researchers' Work from University of Cape Town Focuses on Autism (Detecting change in a caregiver-mediated autism intervention using the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory)." Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 1020.

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