“Going Mobile”-increasing the reach of parent-mediated intervention for toddlers with ASD via group-based and virtual delivery

Abstract

Evidence supports early intervention for toddlers with ASD, but barriers to access remain, including system costs, workforce constraints, and a range of family socio-demographic factors. An urgent need exists for innovative models that maximize resource efficiency and promote widespread timely access. We examined uptake and outcomes from 82 families participating in a parent-mediated intervention comprising group-based learning and individual coaching, delivered either in-person ( n = 45) or virtually ( n = 37). Parents from diverse linguistic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds gained intervention skills and toddlers evidenced significant social-communication gains. Few differences emerged across socio-demographic factors or delivery conditions. Findings highlight the feasibility, acceptability, and promise of group-based learning when combined with individual coaching, with added potential to increase program reach via virtual delivery. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-022-05554-7.

Quickstart for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary report of an adapted community-based early intervention program

“…Though QuickStart parents were satisfied with the EI methods (MPOC) their self-reports of low–moderate confidence in their parenting competence (PSOC), an important aspect of emotional well-being, persisted over the 20 weeks. QuickStart did not have a direct focus on parenting competence, but our finding is noteworthy, given that parents’ contributions to, and their ad hoc reports of, their children's progress were positive; and that other studies have found improvements through parent training ( Brian et al, 2022b ; Iadarola et al, 2018 ). We posit that perhaps the PSOC, used as our sole measure of parent self-efficacy, could not identify all the complex aspects of our parents’ emotional experiences, to detect changes in their emotional well-being, over the 20 weeks (e.g., Karp et al, 2015 ; Wittkowski et al, 2017 ).…”

Management of sleep disorders in autism spectrum disorder with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: update for clinicians

“…37,52,66,69 Interventions delivered virtually have promise. 37,70 Table 2 summarises considerations that should guide interventions.…”

Larger-scale feasibility trial of the families moving forward (FMF) connect mobile health intervention for caregivers raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

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