Publication Date
8-1-2023
Journal
Autism
DOI
10.1177/13623613221142408
PMID
36519775
PMCID
PMC10267291
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
8-1-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Child, Humans, Autistic Disorder, Caregivers, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parents, Communication, Autistic, Parent Training, Online Training, Telehealth, Self-Directed
Abstract
Early intervention can help children learn language and improve social communication. However, many barriers, including the expense of services and an insufficient number of providers, prohibit families from accessing services when their children are young. We developed a comprehensive online program for caregivers of autistic children. The program, Online Parent Training in Early Behavioral Intervention (OPT-In-Early), uses text and video demonstrations to teach caregivers effective methods for improving their children's language, social, and adaptive skills (e.g. using utensils, toilet training), and reducing their children's disruptive behavior. Sixty-three parents from three states participated in the study. Half of the parents received access to the OPT-In-Early program. After 4 months, parents who had access to the OPT-In-Early program learned more effective intervention strategies, and started using these strategies during interactions with their children, than parents who did not receive access to the program. Parent participation in OPT-In-Early did not significantly influence children's social communication compared to children whose parents did not have access to OPT-In-Early. A longer duration of parents using learned intervention skills with their children may be needed for children's social communication skills to improve.
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Mental and Social Health Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons
