Feasibility and initial outcomes of the social ABCs parent-mediated intervention for autistic toddlers in Israel: A pilot single-arm study

The Social ABCs is a parent-mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) that promotes early verbal communication and affect sharing emphasizing child-led learning within natural routines. Here we conducted a six-week pilot single-arm study of the Social ABCs program with 17 autistic toddlers (19–39 months) and their parents in Israel, employing pre- and post-intervention assessments including language, social communication, and parenting stress measures. Results demonstrated significant gains in expressive and receptive vocabulary, improved social communication reduced social withdrawal, and enhanced parent-child interaction quality, with high parental satisfaction and engagement. No significant changes were observed in autism symptom severity or developmental scores. These findings suggest that the Social ABCs is a feasible, promising early intervention for autistic toddlers in Israel. Larger controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and assess long-term impact. • Six-week feasibility pilot of Social ABCs with 17 autistic toddlers in Israel. • Significant gains in expressive and receptive vocabulary post intervention. • Improved social communication and reduced social withdrawal post intervention. • Enhanced parent-child interaction, high parental satisfaction.