Developing an Evaluation Framework for Parent Education and Training in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a...

Despite the need for parent education and training programmes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is no generally-accepted evaluation framework to select programmes for different settings. Here we generated an evaluation framework using a multi-stakeholder, implementation science approach. Purposive sampling identified ASD experts, implementation/health systems experts, and parents/carers of individuals with ASD. A consensus-building stakeholder workshop with 14 stakeholders and thematic analysis was used to generate themes and components of the framework. Main themes included 'Outcomes' (parent, child, family and community), 'Processes and Procedures' (accessibility, acceptability, psychological process, and referral pathways) and 'Implementation Landscape' (sustainability, scalability, integration and coordination, and monitoring and evaluation). We propose that the evaluation framework and Evaluation Framework Checklist generated could guide clinicians, researchers and policy-makers.