Feasibility and effectiveness of very early intervention for infants at-risk for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

Klusek et al. (2015) looked at nine studies that tested therapy for babies who might later get an autism diagnosis.

All programs started before the first birthday. Most taught parents how to play and talk in ways that boost eye contact, smiles, and back-and-forth sounds.

The team asked two questions: Can we even run therapy this early? And do parents see any payoff?

Every study said "yes" to feasibility—families showed up and stayed.

Parents rated the help as useful and said their babies made small but clear gains in showing, pointing, and shared smiling.

Still, the authors warn the proof pile is tiny; bigger, tougher studies are needed.

Green et al. (2013) is one of the nine papers inside this review. That case series proved you can coach parents of 8- to 10-month-olds, but it gave no child outcome data. Jessica’s wider scan adds parent-reported social gains, so the story now has both pieces: doable and helpful.

Bailey et al. (2000) looked at slightly older toddlers and found social-communication gains often fade once the coach leaves. Jessica’s infant studies did not track long-term maintenance, so the same risk likely applies—plan for booster sessions.

Chandler et al. (2002) showed big toddler gains after 18 months of parent work. Jessica’s review hints that starting in infancy may shorten that timeline, but head-to-head studies are missing.

If you screen babies through pediatric visits or state Part C referrals, you now have evidence to tell families, "Early parent coaching is worth a try." Use brief checklists, start home visits before 12 months, and teach simple social games. Track parent satisfaction plus baby eye contact and shared smiles; they move first. Keep cycles short and re-assess—maintenance data are still out.