Using a Distance Learning Program to Introduce Naturalistic Behavioral Techniques to Parents of Young Children with Autism

Background: There is an increasing need for the adaptation of evidence-based interventions to non-traditional service delivery methods for families of children with autism. Internet-based instructional formats have been shown to be an effective means of dissemination of interventions for various populations. Additionally, self directed learning programs have been successfully used to teach intervention techniques to numerous groups, including parents of children with autism. Objectives: An internet-delivered, distance learning program (DLP) was created to introduce strategies for eliciting imitation during play from young children with autism. The self directed DLP was used to teach parents the intervention techniques involved in Reciprocal Imitation Training, a naturalistic behavioral intervention that has been shown to increase imitation on objects and gestures in young children with autism. Methods: A randomized switching replications design was used to assess the impact of a distance learning program on changes in behavior for parents and their children with autism. Parents were randomly assigned to two groups, immediate treatment and treatment delayed. Parents in the immediate treatment condition were immediately granted access to the web-based program, while parents in the treatment delayed condition were granted access to the program after two weeks. Parent knowledge was assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Changes in parent behavior were measured based on scores from videotaped play interactions. Additionally, data addressing the DLP’s strengths and suggestions for improvement were collected.
Results: Preliminary results suggest that parents improved their knowledge and use of the intervention strategies in response to the DLP and rated the program positively. Conclusions: An internet-delivered, distance learning program may be an effective method for disseminating evidence-based practices to families of children with autism.