A Web-Based Tutorial for Parents of Young Children with Autism: Results from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children with autism. Unfortunately, many children do not receive early intervention services due to a critical shortage of trained professionals in this area. To bridge this gap, we evaluated a Web-based parent training tutorial (Enhancing Interactions), based on evidence-based practices and utilizing the Web-based platform to maximize learning. Methods: Twenty-three parents with a child between 18 months and 6 years with an autism spectrum disorder participated. Pre-and posttest scores of parents' knowledge were used to evaluate tutorial effectiveness. The system usability scale (SUS) evaluated technical user-friendliness and the user satisfaction questionnaire (USQ), gauged satisfaction with content. Results: The mean number of correct items on the posttest significantly increased, from 12.6 to 20.4, p < 0.001. The mean SUS score was 85 (standard deviation = 17), corresponding to a score of ''excellent.'' All participants found the tutorial user friendly, well integrated, and 96% (all but one participant) thought it was easy to use, felt confident using the technical features, and would use a tutorial like this again. On the USQ, all participants found that the tutorial was well organized, clearly presented, and easy to understand; that it increased their knowledge about communicating with their child; and that they felt capable of applying these techniques with their child. Conclusions: The tutorial appears effective in increasing parents' knowledge with high user satisfaction.

Internet-based intervention training for parents of young children with disabilities: a promising service-delivery model

“…Two studies employed pre-and post-test designs (Hamad, et al, 2010;Kobak et al, 2011). In one study, the researchers conducted a randomised clinical trial (Jang et al, 2012).…”

“…Three studies evaluated the effects of an Internet-based intervention on the participants' knowledge acquisition related to specific training contents (Hamad et al, 2010;Jang et al, 2012;Kobak et al, 2011). Changes in knowledge were measured by comparing the results of pre-and post-intervention tests.…”

“…Four of these (Hamad et al, 2010;Jang et al, 2012;Kobak et al, 2011;Wainer & Ingersoll, 2012) contained video content for parents to download or view online. One intervention (Wainer & Ingersoll, 2012) provided a printable PDF manual for parents to supplement the video content.…”

“…PowerPoint slide) with voiceover narration. Kobak et al (2011) provided video clips with examples of parents using targeted strategies, but these authors did not otherwise describe the instructional format of the videos.…”

Comparison of a Self-Directed and Therapist-Assisted Telehealth Parent-Mediated Intervention for Children with ASD: A Pilot RCT

“…Several uncontrolled studies have demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness (i.e., gains in parent knowledge) of self-directed telehealth PMI programs (Hamad et al 2010;Jang et al 2012;Kobak et al 2011). A small RCT (n = 27) found that parents who received a DVD-based self-directed program made greater gains in their use of pivotal response treatment (PRT) strategies, provided more language opportunities, and were rated as displaying greater parent confidence during a 10-min parent-child observation in the home than parents in a no-treatment control group (Nefdt et al 2009).…”