Background: With autism affecting 1 in 100 people globally, there is a growing need for innovative service delivery methods, especially in resource-constrained settings (RCSs). The implementation of social communication groups for children with autism would suggest an effective and efficient evidence-based service delivery model to support communication in the context of a lack of speech pathologists (SLPs) and behavioural therapists to manage a high caseload of children awaiting individual management and minimise the health disparity experienced by children with autism in Fiji.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of an outpatient parent-child social communication group for Fijian children with suspected or confirmed autism.

Method: Fifteen children at risk for autism (Male: n = 13, Female: n = 2), with a mean age of 52.66 months, and their parents participated in a 10-week outpatient therapy program at the Frank Hilton Organisation speech pathology clinic in Suva, Fiji. All caregivers provided consent to use outcomes data for research. The program comprised one-hour weekly sessions, including theory and play-based sessions targeting linguistic facilitation techniques, play-based floor time, and behavioural management led by an SLP and a Positive Behavioural Support Officer. The post-evaluation questionnaire, which parents completed, underwent analysis using descriptive statistical methods and thematic analysis.

Results: Preliminary results suggest that in response to the therapy provided, outcomes included (a) heightened parents’ responsiveness to their child’s communication attempts, (b) increased social skills; initiation of social interaction, eye contact, imitation skills, and joint engagement, (c) enhanced functional communication using gestures, words, or AAC, (d) improved comprehension and (e) decreased frequency of challenging behaviours.

Conclusions: Social communication groups effectively deliver services to improve social communication skills in Fijian children with autism, especially with limited clinical resources.

Implications for children and families: Increased parental responsiveness during daily routine activities and play supports the language and communication development of children with autism.

Implications for practitioners: Interdisciplinary social communication group interventions are efficient for supporting children with autism and their families in resource-constrained settings.

Key words: autism, social communication, resource-constraint countries, interdisciplinary practice

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities