# Clinical and Research Insights from Pre-Emptive Early Intervention for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Case Series

## TL;DR

Early structured interventions may improve long-term outcomes for children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on multidimensional and family-centered approaches.

## Contribution

This case series highlights the effectiveness of pre-emptive, individualized early interventions for siblings of children with ASD.

## Key findings

- Four distinct developmental trajectories were observed in children at risk for NDDs.
- Parental involvement is crucial for the success of early intervention programs.
- A multidimensional approach improves developmental outcomes in at-risk children.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?
Early and pre-emptive structured interventions may have the potential to enhance long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.Siblings of children with ASD may develop atypical trajectories in several developmental domains.

Early and pre-emptive structured interventions may have the potential to enhance long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Siblings of children with ASD may develop atypical trajectories in several developmental domains.

What is the implication of the main finding?
Considering all developmental domains is a key point of early interventions for children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.A multidimensional approach with the active involvement of parents is crucial for the effectiveness of early intervention programs.

Considering all developmental domains is a key point of early interventions for children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

A multidimensional approach with the active involvement of parents is crucial for the effectiveness of early intervention programs.

Background: Siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are considered biologically at risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) that may involve sensorimotor, adaptive, and social–communication domains. Previous studies have highlighted the potential value of early intervention programs during the first year of life, when symptoms may not yet be evident. This study explores the impact of pre-emptive and early interventions on the developmental trajectories of infants at risk for NDDs. Methods: This case-series study included four children (one at low risk and three at high risk) who participated in the ERI-SIBS Project (Early Recognition and Intervention in Siblings at High Risk for Neurodevelopmental Disorders), an ongoing, innovative, and ecological early recognition and intervention program for siblings of children with ASD. Intervention frequency was personalized based on the presence or absence of early risk indicators and continued for six months. Data on global functioning, social-communication abilities, and mother–child interactions were collected over one year. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed four distinct developmental trajectories and treatment responses, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach and the active engagement of parents in the intervention process. Conclusions: Findings from this case series provide an in-depth understanding of how biological and environmental factors may interact to influence the outcomes of early interventions in children at risk for NDDs. These results underscore the importance of early, individualized, and family-centered approaches to support optimal developmental outcomes.