Evaluation of caregiver training via telecommunication for rural Icelandic children with autism

Abstract

This article describes the development and results of behavioral training via telecommunication for three caregivers of children with autism. A single-subject, multiple baseline experimental design, replicated across caregivers, preschool children with autism, and tasks, was used to evaluate the effects of the training. Dependent measures were collected in vivo and via telecommunication and included parent, teacher, and child responses during naturalistic play. The intervention involved teaching caregivers methods to increase children’s sociocommunicative behavior. Both child and caregiver behaviors increased during intervention and follow-up observations. The results indicate that training via telecommunication is a promising alternative for families that do not have access to evidence-based intervention and expertise. The results are discussed in the context of technological benefits and difficulties during data based consulting. Further development is important to understand technological variables that enhance or hinder the progress of rural children and their caregivers.