Parent-implemented natural language paradigm to increase language and play in children with autism

Three parents of children with autism were taught to implement the Natural Language Paradigm (NLP). Data were collected on parent implementation, multiple measures of child language, and play. The parents were able to learn to implement the NLP procedures quickly and accurately with beneficial results for their children. Increases in the overall rate of vocalizations were observed for all three children with a shift from imitative language at the beginning of intervention to spontaneous language at the end of intervention. Clear improvements in play were observed for two of three children while ceiling effects were observed for a third child who already played effectively. In response to a social validity questionnaire, parents indicated that they found the study useful and the NLP procedures simple to implement and that that they would continue to use NLP at home following the conclusion of the study.