<p>This article describes the development and evaluation of the Keyhole® Early Intervention Model for preschoolers with autism spectrum conditions. Its four components are a resource kit for newly diagnosed families, a home-based intervention programme to develop social and communication skills, training workshops for parents and an education module for personnel working in early years services. Research evidence is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of each of the four components. Examples are given of the contributions that health visitors and community nurses could make to supporting families in some or all of these endeavours.</p>