Evaluation of the Barnet Early Autism Model (BEAM) teaching intervention programme in a ‘real world’ setting

The Barnet Early Autism Model (BEAM) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was compared to a time-comparable approach (Portage) in terms of child outcomes and parental functioning. BEAM produced improvements in the adaptive behavioural function and language abilities of the children with ASD. Additionally, the programme produced decreases in parenting stress and improvements in the parents’ perceptions of their own limit setting abilities. In contrast to these areas of success, it was noted that BEAM did not significantly impact on the behavioural problems of the children. Overall, BEAM produced significant benefits to the children receiving this intervention, although it may be that a more intensive programme, involving an increase in applied behaviour analytic content, would help to improve the behavioural aspects of the children's functioning.

► The BEAM approach for children with ASD was compared to time-comparable approaches.
► BEAM improved adaptive behaviours and language, and decreased parenting stress.
► BEAM improved parents’ perceptions of their own limit setting abilities.
► BEAM did not impact on the behavioural problems of the children.
► A more intensive programme may improve behavioural aspects of functioning.