Articles Vol. 66 No. Vol 67. English Version No 2 11/06/2026

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTIONS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS USING A MULTIDISCIPLINARY MODEL AT DANANG REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Nguyen Van Dung1, Tran Danh Tien Thinh1, Cao Bich Thuy2, Nguyen Tien Hung1, Tran Van Ha1, Vo Van Chien1, Phan Thi Tung Lam1, Pham Thi Thuy Ngan1, Le Thi My Tien1, Tran Nguyen Thu Hang1, Cao Thi Thanh Thuong1, Dinh Thi Minh Thuy3, Truong Van Trinh3, Nguyen Dac Quynh Anh4
1 Da Nang City Rehabilitation Hospital
2 Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy.
3 Da Nang Department of Health
4 Duy Tan University
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v66i8.4066
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Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, CARS, ATEC, rehabilitation
Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention model in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Da Nang City Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Methods: This non-controlled clinical intervention study used a pre–post design in 79 children aged 16 months to 5 years diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria. The interventions included speech therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, physical therapy, special education, and family involvement, with a minimum of 20 hours per week for 6 months. Outcomes were assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before and after intervention.

Results: After six months, 73.4% of participants achieved at least minimal clinical improvement. The proportion of children classified with severe ASD decreased from 22.8% to 3.8% (p < 0.05). The mean CARS score decreased from 33.9 ± 4.9 to 30.3 ± 3.0, and the mean ATEC score decreased from 84.2 to 60.0 (p < 0.05). All ATEC subscales improved, with the most significant changes in social functioning and language–communication.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary intervention model produced significant improvements in behavior, language, and social functioning among children with ASD. This model represents a comprehensive, feasible, and context-appropriate approach for hospital-based rehabilitation.

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