The Effects of the Implementation of Parent Coaching to Increase Quality of life for Children and Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

As the prevalence of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, the need for high quality parent coaching practices to ensure generalization of skills targeting in early intervention services is pronounced This mixed methods study investigated the results of implementation of a parent coaching treatment package developed in alignment with adult learning and education theory, seeking to increase quality of life for families affected by autism. Results suggest that this intervention may be an effective and socially valid intervention for parents of children who engage in high rates of challenging behavior at home, and has the ability to increase parent implementation of target behavior skills taught in intervention. Parents identified intervention as having high acceptability and identified parent coaching treatment package as a highly effective intervention. Individual results discussed, as well as implications of this intervention as a whole.