Comparative effectiveness of PROMPT-based language training vs. structured home-based training for language and speech delay in children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective To compare the relative effectiveness of PROMPT-based training vs. structured home-based training in facilitating language and speech development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically focusing on how addressing speech motor control impacts overall language stages. Methods This retrospective analysis study was conducted at Yongkang Women and Children's Health Hospital. The data for the research subjects were sourced from ASD children with language and speech delay who received treatment from January 2023 to January 2025. To minimize potential confounding and selection bias, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was implemented using a nearest neighbor algorithm with a caliper of 0.05. Consequently, 62 patients who received PROMPT-based language training were matched with a cohort of 62 patients receiving structured parent-mediated home training guidance. The Sign-Significant Relation (S-S) and image expression ability were compared before and after the intervention between the two groups. Results PROMPT-based language training was associated with better outcomes than structured home-based training in children with ASD and language and speech delay, with greater improvement in language developmental stages and image expression ability. Conclusions After the 3-month intervention, the distribution of S-S developmental stages for language comprehension and expression differed significantly between the two groups, with the PROMPT group showing a higher proportion of children in more advanced stages than the control group ( P < 0.05). In addition, image expression ability improved in both groups after intervention, and the improvement was greater in the PROMPT group than in the control group ( P < 0.05).