Teaching Parents via Online Asynchronous Training to Use Speech-Generating Devices with Their Autistic Children: A...

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Developmental Psychology
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Telepractice interventions reduce barriers to communication support for families.
• Online modules offer accessible parent training for children with communication needs.
• Previous research supports telepractice for communication interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effectiveness of online parent training modules for parents of autistic children with communication support needs.
• To assess the impact of parent training on parent communication opportunities and responsiveness.
• To evaluate the use of speech-generating devices (SGDs) in conjunction with parent training.

Main Methods:

• A multiple-baseline single-subject design was employed.
• Online parent training modules (POWR) and written instructions for SGD setup were utilized.
• Parent communication opportunities and responsiveness were measured during play and activities.

Main Results:

• POWR modules positively impacted parent communication opportunities during interactions.
• Child communication increased following parent training.
• Parents demonstrated improved proficiency in implementing the POWR strategy.

Conclusions:

• Online parent training shows promise for improving communication in autistic children using SGDs.
• Further research, including larger studies and randomized controlled trials, is needed.
• Telepractice offers innovative, family-centered training and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) access.