Telecoaching for Parents of Young Autistic Children Using Strength-Based Video Feedback

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2023-12
• Main Authors: Ousley, Ciara L, Raulston, Tracy J, Gilhuber, Christina S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06199-w

Parent-implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), rooted from applied behavioral and developmental sciences, focus on empowering families by training and coaching natural change agents to embed evidence-based strategies during regular events or contexts (e.g., play time). No research, however, has relied on strength-based video feedback coaching within parent-implemented NDBIs while providing flexibility with self-recorded sessions. We conducted a single case multiple-baseline design across five parent-child dyads to evaluate the effects of a telepractice-based parent-training on five NDBI strategies (i.e., Follow and Imitate, Model Language, Arrange Environment, Wait Time, Reward and Expand), utilizing strength-based video feedback coaching with parents (i.e., two mothers and three fathers) of young autistic children (i.e., ages 2 to 5) on parent strategy use and child social communication. An additional coaching package (i.e., parent self-reflections, goal setting, and joint discussions) was introduced to parents who did not meet a predetermined criterion. Maintenance data were collected 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks after intervention concluded. Visual analyses, nonoverlap calculations, and standardized mean difference effect sizes indicate strong effects for parent strategy use and small, varied effects on child social communication. Maintenance of parent strategy use and child social communication varied, with most remaining at equivalent or higher levels. Parent-implemented interventions that are delivered via telepractice may continue to be successful when coaching is focused on the parents' strengths, all coaching feedback is provided asynchronously, and families can flexibly record sessions based upon their week's schedules rather than relying on regularly scheduled meeting times with a coach.