Blended NDBIs for Social Communication and Social-Emotional Development for Young Children

While supporting social communication in autistic children is essential, their social-emotional needs are often overlooked, even though both are foundational to early development and preventing challenging behavior. National efforts like the Pyramid Model aim to support ‘all’ children’s emotional development, yet autistic children are often left out in practice. This community-partnered study, shaped by the voices of autistic individuals and their families, addresses that gap by testing a blended intervention that integrates Project ImPACT (a social communication intervention) with Pyramid Model universal practices (strategies for social-emotional development). Using a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control group, we will evaluate outcomes for 40 caregiver–toddler dyads across four conditions. Early intervention providers will coach caregivers on embedding strategies into their daily routines. With nearly 40 states having adopted the Pyramid Model, this study offers a timely opportunity to collaborate with Part C early intervention programs to strengthen their focus on social communication while incorporating social-emotional promotion practices. By supporting integration across these key developmental domains, the project has the potential to enhance the quality and inclusivity of early intervention services for autistic children and their families.