Increasing Access to an ASD Imitation Intervention Via a Telehealth Parent Training Program

Systematic research focused on developing and improving strategies for the dissemination and implementation of effective ASD services is essential. An innovative and promising area of research is the use of telehealth programs to train parents of children with ASD in intervention techniques. A hybrid telehealth program, combining self-directed internet-based instruction with remote coaching, was created to introduce parents of children with ASD to an imitation intervention. A single-subject multiple-baseline design study evaluated the effect of the program on changes in parent and child behavior. Parents improved in their use of the intervention techniques and their children demonstrated concurrent increases in spontaneous imitation skills. Parents also indicated that the intervention and telehealth service delivery model were acceptable, useable, and effective. Results suggest that this hybrid telehealth program has the potential to increase access to ASD services.