Early Intervention Provider-Reported NDBI Use and Relationships with Provider- to System-Level Implementation...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Early Intervention Services

Background:

• Evidence supports naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) in community systems for autistic children.
• Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) aim to improve developmental and behavioral outcomes.
• Early Intervention (EI) systems are crucial for delivering services to young children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine provider-reported use of NDBI strategies within a Part C Early Intervention (EI) system.
• To identify factors predicting NDBI use, including provider background, attitudes, and organizational support.
• To understand the current implementation of NDBIs in early intervention settings.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 100 early intervention (EI) providers across multiple disciplines.
• Data collected included provider background, attitudes towards NDBIs, perceived organizational support, and reported NDBI use.
• Statistical analyses were used to determine predictors of NDBI strategy implementation.

Main Results:

• Providers reported using NDBI strategies, but competency with manualized NDBI programs was inconsistent.
• Provider background and perceived organizational support did not predict NDBI strategy use.
• Provider openness to new interventions was a significant predictor of reported NDBI strategy use.

Conclusions:

• Provider openness is a key factor in the adoption of NDBI strategies within early intervention.
• Despite reported use, inconsistent competency with manualized NDBI programs highlights a need for targeted training.
• Future research should employ mixed methods to further elucidate NDBI implementation in EI systems.