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Edgar TC, Schlosser R, Koul R. Effects of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention Package on Socio-Communicative Behaviors Between Minimally Speaking Autistic Children and Their Peers. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1619-1638. [PMID: 38771825 DOI: 10.1044/2024_ajslp-23-00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention package consisting of systematic instruction and aided modeling with speech-output technologies on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of socio-communicative behaviors-initiating a request for a turn, answering questions, and commenting-in four, minimally speaking (MS) autistic children between the ages of 6 and 9 years. METHOD A multiple-probe design across behaviors replicated across participants was implemented to evaluate the effects of systematic instruction and aided modeling on initiating requests for a turn, answering questions, and commenting behaviors. Additionally, a pre- and posttreatment multiple-generalization-probes design was used to assess generalization across peers. RESULTS Visual analyses demonstrated experimental control for two participants (i.e., Derek, Ajay) showing a functional relationship between the intervention and outcomes across all social communicative behavior. For one participant (i.e., Matthew), experimental control could not be established because he did not reach the learning criterion for commenting. The fourth participant (i.e., John) transferred to a different school after making some progress on requesting. Effect size indicator analyses corroborated these findings, indicating medium-to-strong effects for initiating requests for a turn strong effects for answering questions, and medium-to-strong effects for commenting. Generalization of socio-communicative behaviors from researcher to a typically developing peer was variable across participants. Participants maintained socio-communicative behaviors 3 weeks after the last intervention session with varying degrees of success. CONCLUSION The outcomes of this study suggest that aided modeling and systematic instruction using speech-output technologies may lead to gains in socio-communicative behaviors in some MS autistic children. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25799935.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralf Schlosser
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Rajinder Koul
- Department of Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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Cuneo N, Floyd S, Goldberg AE. Word meaning is complex: Language-related generalization differences in autistic adults. Cognition 2024; 244:105691. [PMID: 38218051 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2023.105691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The current study marries two important observations. First, there is a growing recognition that word meanings need to be flexibly extended in new ways as new contexts arise. Second, as evidenced primarily within the perceptual domain, autistic individuals tend to find generalization more challenging while showing stronger veridical memory in comparison to their neurotypical peers. Here we report that a group of 80 autistic adults finds it more challenging to flexibly extend the meanings of familiar words in new ways than a group of 80 neurotypical peers, while the autistic individuals outperform the neurotypicals on a novel word-learning task that does not require flexible extension. Results indicate that recognized differences in generalization present an ongoing challenge for autistic adults in the domain of language, separate from social cognition, executive function, or the ability to assign single fixed meanings to new words.
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Murphy AN, Moskowitz K, Fernandez F, Risser HJ. Perceived Parent Needs for Improving Parent Participation in School-Based Therapies for Children with Disabilities Using the Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06282-w. [PMID: 38393438 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Rehabilitative and habilitative therapies can help children with disabilities increase independence and overall wellbeing. However, children and their caregivers face many barriers to accessing these therapies and often rely on the school for therapy access. Given the limited resources available within the special education system, increasing parent involvement in special education therapies could improve service delivery. However, providers must first understand what parents need to participate in therapies before attempting to engage families. 217 parents completed an online survey consisting of the Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey and demographic questionnaires about theirfamiliesand their child[ren] with disabilities. The percentage of needs parents endorsed as important and thepercentageofimportantneedsendorsedasunmetwere calculated. Differences across demographic variables were assessed. Overall, parents reported an average of 75% of needs as important with significantly more needs endorsed as important regarding being an informed, engaged member of the child's care team (M = 83%) than needs related to support and guidance (M = 65%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, parentsreportedan average of 58% of important needs as unmet, with no significant differences in subscale averages. Significant associations were found for race/ethnicity, education, income, partner availability, number of children with disabilities in the household, transportation access, neighborhood opportunities, parent efficacy and social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Parents reported a high percentage of needs as important, but a large percentage of these important needs were considered unmet. Significant disparities based on racial/ethnic identities and access to resources were found. In order to successfully engage parents in special education therapy activities, providers must work to understand and address parents' engagement needs, paying special attention to each family's unique circumstances to optimize engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Murphy
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Kathleen Moskowitz
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Heather J Risser
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Tripathi I, Moody CT, Laugeson EA. Parent perspectives on treatment: A mixed methods analysis of PEERS® for Preschoolers. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:390-402. [PMID: 37306138 PMCID: PMC10851630 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231172314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic children have social communication differences that can contribute to difficulties making and keeping friends, as well as poor mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression). Social skills training programs for preschoolers on the spectrum have been shown to increase social functioning and improve outcomes. Parent involvement in these programs is essential, as parents are able to use the intervention strategies outside of sessions. Teaching parents skills to help their children is also thought to reduce parenting stress through empowerment, knowledge, and social support. However, we still do not know much about how parents experience social skills treatments and whether there are specific parts that are especially helpful to them. This study examined parent perspectives on the University of California, Los Angeles Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Preschoolers, an evidence-based, group social skills intervention for autistic young children who are struggling socially. Twenty-four parents reported on their child's progress through questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews that asked about their experiences and perspectives 1-5 years after completing (PEERS®) for Preschoolers. Parents reported that their children displayed increased social skills and confidence after (PEERS®) for Preschoolers, while parents described feeling more positive, supported, and having greater understanding of their child and their development. Those parents who continued to use strategies taught in (PEERS®) for Preschoolers, particularly priming and preparing their child for social activities, showed greater improvements in long-term child outcomes and parenting stress. Overall, findings show that parents had a positive experience during and after PEERS® for Preschoolers, finding the program helpful in multiple ways to both their child and to themselves as a parent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isita Tripathi
- University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Harvard Medical School, USA
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Antezana L, Albright J, Scarpa A, Richey JA, Laugeson EA, Factor RS. PEERS® for Preschoolers preliminary outcomes and predictors of treatment response. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4671-4684. [PMID: 36103076 PMCID: PMC10011023 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PEERS® for Preschoolers (P4P) is a social skills group program for young autistic children and their caregivers, which provides everyday tools for interacting and communicating with others. Twenty-two caregiver-child dyads participated and completed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up measures (4-16 weeks after). Using single-subject analyses to examine social skills, 60% demonstrated post-treatment improvement, and 53.85% demonstrated follow-up improvement. Regarding a secondary outcome of behavioral difficulties, 33.33% demonstrated post-treatment reduction, and 7.69% demonstrated follow-up reduction. Using regressions, autistic traits predicted outcomes; fewer social communication difficulties predicted both greater social skills and fewer behavioral difficulties at post-treatment, while fewer repetitive behaviors predicted fewer post-treatment and follow-up behavioral difficulties. These results preliminarily demonstrate the benefits of P4P and how autistic traits may impact P4P outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Antezana
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jordan Albright
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Penn Center for Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angela Scarpa
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John A Richey
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 109 Williams Hall, 890 Drillfield Drive, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Griffen B, Holyfield C, Lorah ER, Caldwell N. Increasing linguistic and prelinguistic communication for social closeness during naturalistic AAC instruction with young children on the autism spectrum. Augment Altern Commun 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37987744 DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2023.2283846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of an intervention package using high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with Naturalistic Instruction (NI), time delay, and prompting during social routines for preschoolers on the autism spectrum. The AAC was a communication application on a tablet programmed with color photo representations of participants and communication partners engaged in social routines. The primary dependent measure was a linguistic communication turn on the AAC device completing the instructor's cloze phrase related to the routine. A secondary dependent measure was prelinguistic communication -nonspecific vocalizations and smiling - within each turn of the routine. Results indicated that all communication types increased and maintained for all three participants with two participants meeting mastery criteria within the minimal number of sessions. These results are significant in providing additional evidence for the effectiveness of AAC intervention beyond teaching simple object requests and in teaching more socially meaningful communication to children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, this study supports the use of color photo representations to promote social interaction. Future research should continue to evaluate such interventions on a larger scale and include naturally occurring communication partners, such as siblings and peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna Griffen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Christine Holyfield
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lorah
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Nicolette Caldwell
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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7
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Wright B, Kingsley E, Cooper C, Biggs K, Bursnall M, Wang HI, Chater T, Coates E, Teare MD, McKendrick K, Gomez de la Cuesta G, Barr A, Solaiman K, Packham A, Marshall D, Varley D, Nekooi R, Parrott S, Ali S, Gilbody S, Le Couteur A. Play brick therapy to aid the social skills of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder: the I-SOCIALISE cluster RCT. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-137. [PMID: 38095124 DOI: 10.3310/vgtr7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social skills interventions are commonly recommended to help children and young people with autism spectrum disorder develop social skills, but some struggle to engage in these interventions. LEGO® (LEGO System A/S, Billund, Denmark) based therapy, a group social skills intervention, aims to be more interesting and engaging. Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of LEGO® based therapy on the social and emotional skills of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in school settings compared with usual support. Secondary objectives included evaluations of cost-effectiveness, acceptability and treatment fidelity. Design A cluster randomised controlled trial randomly allocating participating schools to either LEGO® based therapy and usual support or usual support only. Setting Mainstream schools in the north of England. Participants Children and young people (aged 7-15 years) with autism spectrum disorder, their parent/guardian, an associated teacher/teaching assistant and a facilitator teacher/teaching assistant (intervention schools only). Intervention Schools randomised to the intervention arm delivered 12 weekly sessions of LEGO® based therapy, which promotes collaborative play and encourages social problem-solving in groups of three children and young people with a facilitator (trained teacher or teaching assistant). Participants received usual support from school and community services. Participants in the control arm received usual support only. Research assistants and statisticians were blind to treatment allocation. Main outcome measure The social skills subscale of the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS), completed by the children and young people's unblinded teacher pre randomisation and 20 weeks post randomisation. The SSIS social skills subscale measures social skills including social communication, co-operation, empathy, assertion, responsibility and self-control. Participants completed a number of other pre- and post-randomisation measures of emotional health, quality of life, loneliness, problem behaviours, academic competence, service resource utilisation and adverse events. Results A total of 250 children and young people from 98 schools were randomised: 127 to the intervention arm and 123 to the control arm. Intention-to-treat analysis of the main outcome measure showed a modest positive difference of 3.74 points (95% confidence interval -0.16 to 7.63 points, standardised effect size 0.18; p = 0.06) in favour of the intervention arm. Statistical significance increased in per-protocol analysis, with a modest positive difference (standardised effect size 0.21; p = 0.036). Cost-effectiveness of the intervention was found in reduced service use costs and a small increase in quality-adjusted life-years. Intervention fidelity and acceptability were positive. No intervention-related adverse events or effects were reported. Conclusions The primary and pre-planned sensitivity analysis of the primary outcome consistently showed a positive clinical difference, with modest standardised effect sizes of between 0.15 and 0.21. There were positive health economics and qualitative findings, corroborated by the difference between arms for the majority of secondary outcomes, which were not statistically significant but favoured the intervention arm. Post hoc additional analysis was exploratory and was not used in drawing this conclusion. Given the small positive change, LEGO® based therapy for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in schools should be considered. Limitations The primary outcome measure was completed by an unblinded teacher (rather than by the facilitator). Future work The study team recommends future research into LEGO® based therapy, particularly in school environments. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN64852382. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: 15/49/32) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 12. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Wright
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
- Child Oriented Mental Health Innovation Collaborative, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Ellen Kingsley
- Child Oriented Mental Health Innovation Collaborative, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Cindy Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Katie Biggs
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew Bursnall
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Han-I Wang
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Tim Chater
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth Coates
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Dawn Teare
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kirsty McKendrick
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Amy Barr
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kiera Solaiman
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Packham
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Roshanak Nekooi
- Child Oriented Mental Health Innovation Collaborative, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Steve Parrott
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Shehzad Ali
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Hudson JL, Minihan S, Chen W, Carl T, Fu M, Tully L, Kangas M, Rosewell L, McDermott EA, Wang Y, Stubbs T, Martiniuk A. Interventions for Young Children's Mental Health: A Review of Reviews. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:593-641. [PMID: 37488453 PMCID: PMC10465658 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
To determine the efficacy of intervention programs for young children (4-9 years) with emerging mental health needs, we conducted a review of meta-analytic and systematic reviews of the intervention literature. Of 41,061 abstracts identified and 15,076 screened, 152 review articles met the inclusion criteria. We reviewed interventions across multiple disciplines targeting: (1) general mental health concerns; (2) internalizing symptoms; (3) externalizing symptoms; (4) anxiety; (5) depression; (6) trauma; (7) symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and (8) mental health concerns associated with autism spectrum disorder. Substantial evidence was found for the efficacy of behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for general mental health concerns, externalizing symptoms (generally, as well as ADHD, conduct, and other behavioral symptoms) and internalizing symptoms (generally, as well as anxiety) aged 4-9 years. Emerging evidence was identified for interventions targeting trauma symptoms, depression symptoms, and social, emotional and behavioral symptoms in autism spectrum disorder in children aged 4-9 years. Currently there is only limited emerging evidence regarding non-behavioral or non-cognitive behavioral interventions for programs targeting children ages 4-9 years where the aim is to deliver an evidence-based program to improve child social, emotional and/or behavioral functioning. Given the recent rises in mental health needs reported in children, targeted behavioral-and/or cognitive behavior therapy-based interventions should be made widely available to children (and their families) who experience elevated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Hudson
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Savannah Minihan
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wenting Chen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Talia Carl
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele Fu
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lucy Tully
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Kangas
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda Rosewell
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma A McDermott
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Stubbs
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bowman-Perrott L, Gilson C, Boon RT, Ingles KE. Peer-Mediated Interventions for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Reviews of Social and Behavioral Outcomes. Dev Neurorehabil 2023; 26:134-154. [PMID: 36892164 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2023.2169878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) have been firmly established as evidence-based approaches for facilitating peer relationships among students with and without disabilities. We conducted a review of reviews evaluating PMI studies to support social skills and positive behavioral outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A total of 4,254 individuals with IDD were participants across 43 reviews of the literature, reflecting 357 unique studies. This review includes coding related to participant demographic information, intervention characteristics, implementation fidelity, social validity, and social outcomes addressed by PMIs across reviews. Our findings suggest that PMIs yield positive social and behavioral outcomes for individuals with IDD, mostly in the areas of peer engagement and initiating social interactions. Specific skills, motor behaviors, and challenging as well as prosocial behaviors were less likely to be examined across studies. Implications for research and practice to support the implementation of PMIs will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bowman-Perrott
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carly Gilson
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Richard T Boon
- Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching, The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kristina E Ingles
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Meadan H, Sands MM, Chung MY. Parent-Implemented Telepractice Autism Intervention: A Case Study of Maintenance and Generalization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1685. [PMID: 36767046 PMCID: PMC9914431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The extent to which people maintain new skills and generalize those skills to new contexts without support are two aspects of intervention research that can be difficult to examine, especially over a sustained period of time and across a variety of contexts. In past research, we have explored teaching parents and caregivers to implement evidence-based communication strategies with their young children with autism who are minimally verbal. When a former research participant contacted us with a request to participate in our project again, four years later and with a different son, we used this as an opportunity to ask questions about her maintenance of the skills in using the targeted strategies, and her generalization of those skills to a different child. Using the data collected with her older son, Ali, and new data collected four years later with her younger son, Rami, we present a case study of this mother. We discuss the implications of the findings on interpreting the efficacy of the telepractice intervention's programming for generalization, identifying opportunities for refining the intervention, and insights useful for other intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedda Meadan
- Department of Special Education, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Michelle M. Sands
- Department of Special & Early Childhood Education, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
| | - Moon Y. Chung
- Department of Education Studies, Stonehill College, North Easton, MA 02357, USA
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11
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Pokorski EA, LeJeune LM. A Systematic Review of Maintenance Measurement in Early Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder Research. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 127:313-327. [PMID: 36122329 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.4.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Single case research designs (SCRDs) are integral to identifying evidence-based practices (EBPs) for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the field lacks guidance on measuring response maintenance within SCRDs. We identified 103 studies in which researchers used SCRD to investigate the maintenance of behavioral intervention outcomes for children with ASD ages 0-5. Findings include: (a) maintenance conditions across most EBP categories, (b) limited within-case replication of maintenance assessment, (c) inconsistent use of maintenance terminology, (d) varying frequencies of maintenance assessment, and (e) wide range in latency to first and last maintenance probe. Results indicate a pressing need for the regular inclusion of maintenance conditions in behavioral research to increase our understanding of programming for and assessing maintenance.
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Wong KK, Fienup DM, Richling SM, Keen A, Mackay K. Systematic review of acquisition mastery criteria and statistical analysis of associations with response maintenance and generalization. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K. Wong
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies Teachers College, Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - Daniel M. Fienup
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies Teachers College, Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - Sarah M. Richling
- Department of Psychological Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - Allison Keen
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies Teachers College, Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - Kyla Mackay
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies Teachers College, Columbia University New York NY USA
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13
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Murphy AN, Risser HJ. Perceived parent needs in engaging with therapeutic supports for children with disabilities in school settings: An exploratory study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 123:104183. [PMID: 35134739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent engagement in therapeutic services for children with disabilities could optimize service delivery while addressing service disparities. However, service providers must first understand parents' needs to effectively involve parents. AIMS This study examines what needs parents identify as important when engaging with school-based therapies and how well these needs are being met. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Parents of children with Individualized Education Plans rated statements related to their needs for trust, information, support and guidance, and personal needs when engaging with their child's therapies. Parents also provided demographic information on them and their child[ren] with a disability. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Parents endorsed an average of 83 % of needs as important but 51 % of needs as unmet. On average, 65 % of needs related to feeling trusted by service providers were met. In contrast, needs related to receivings upport and guidance (M = 58 %), information (M = 55 %), and addressing parent's own needs (M = 53 %) were frequently unmet. Parents indicated that needs related to feeling trusted by service providers were most frequently met. In contrast, needs related to receiving information were most frequently unmet. Race/ethnicity and number of children with a disability influenced the number of needs endorsed as important and unmet. CONCLUSION This feasibility study suggests that parents find a variety of needs regarding their interactions with school-based providers as important to them. However, given the high proportion of needs indicated being unmet, significant gaps likely exist in effectively engaging parents, especially for Parents of Color and parents with multiple children with disabilities. IMPLICATIONS This study provides a list of tangible needs school-based providers can use to improve parent engagement with school-based therapies. School-based providers and administrators can use the needs identified as important and unmet in this study to create actionable steps that aim to improve parent engagement in school-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Murphy
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Services and Policy Program, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Heather J Risser
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Services and Policy Program, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Teaching Safety Skills to Children: A Discussion of Critical Features and Practice Recommendations. Behav Anal Pract 2022; 15:938-950. [PMID: 36465597 PMCID: PMC9582057 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Children may encounter safety threats from the physical environment (e.g., firearms or poisonous substances) or from the behaviors of others (e.g., abduction or sexual abuse lures). Such encounters may result in injury or death if children do not learn skills to respond safely. Research over the last 40 years has investigated approaches to assessing and training safety skills. This article discusses critical features that have emerged in the research related to best practice for assessing and training safety skills. We emphasize the importance of in situ assessments, effective training approaches, the need for data-based decision making, strategies for enhancing generalization and maintenance, the accessibility of training programs, and approaches to training individuals with disabilities. Following a discussion of each critical feature presented in this article, we provide recommendations for practicing behavior analysts.
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15
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Factor RS, Glass L, Baertschi D, Laugeson EA. Remote PEERS ® for preschoolers: A pilot parent-mediated social skills intervention for young children with social challenges over telehealth. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1008485. [PMID: 36523874 PMCID: PMC9745198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1008485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social differences characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities are evident in early childhood and are associated with later difficulties. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence-based interventions explicitly targeting social skills development for young children, few actively integrate parents and caregivers, and even fewer have remote models. The importance of providing accessible, tailored services for families in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted the creation of a parent-mediated telehealth version of Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Preschoolers (P4P), a pre-existing, evidence-based social skills intervention for children 4-6 years focused on making and keeping friends. METHOD This methodological paper documents the implementation, feasibility, and satisfaction of a novel telehealth group-based delivery of P4P. RESULTS Qualitative results indicate acceptable feasibility and satisfaction. Additionally, following completion there was an increase in parental confidence in social coaching and increased use of child social skills. DISCUSSION Future work will evaluate quantitative outcomes and comparisons between delivery methods (e.g., telehealth vs. in-person).
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina S Factor
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Leila Glass
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daliah Baertschi
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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16
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Scott TM, Dubuque EM. Guidelines for Facilitating Direct Instruction of Generalized Social Behavior: Teaching the General Case. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:831-838. [PMID: 34631386 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00611-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social deficits are a common feature in individuals with low incidence disabilities. Current solutions used to teach social skills are not always effective, especially when it comes to generalizing these skills to novel contexts. General case programming (GCP) is an instructional methodology founded on the science-based tenets of Direct Instruction, designed to clearly communicate the multiple contexts and response variations a learner is likely to encounter in their complex social environments. The purpose of this article is to describe how GCP can be utilized to help program for generalization of social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erick M Dubuque
- Department of Special Education, Early Childhood, & Prevention Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
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17
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Tripathi I, Estabillo JA, Moody CT, Laugeson EA. Long-Term Treatment Outcomes of PEERS ® for Preschoolers: A Parent-Mediated Social Skills Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2610-2626. [PMID: 34302574 PMCID: PMC9114088 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although parent-assisted social skills interventions may reduce early social challenges in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited research has explored whether intervention gains maintain several years after treatment. This study examined the durability of PEERS® for Preschoolers, a parent-mediated social skills training program for preschool-aged children with ASD and other social challenges. Twenty-nine parents reported on child and family outcomes 1–5 years following treatment. Results demonstrated maintenance of treatment gains on measures of ASD-related social impairments including social communication, social responsiveness, social motivation, and peer engagement. Post-treatment improvements in problem behaviors and parenting stress were not maintained at long-term follow-up. Implications of these results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isita Tripathi
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jasper A Estabillo
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, 1264 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1759, USA
| | - Christine T Moody
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Laugeson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6967, USA
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18
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A Systematic Review of Family-Mediated Social Communication Interventions for Young Children with Autism. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021; 9:208-234. [PMID: 33821200 PMCID: PMC8012416 DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Social communication deficits are a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present paper reviews 54 studies evaluating social communication interventions delivered by parents and siblings to children with ASD under 6 years old. Fifty studies evaluated parent-mediated intervention, and four studies evaluated sibling-mediated intervention. Fourteen studies evaluated interventions using telehealth. Treatment effects and research strength were variable across studies. Treatment modality, setting, and dosage had inconclusive impact on treatment effect. Parent-implemented intervention packages, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement & Regulation (JASPER), qualified as established evidence-based practice for this population. Most studies reported successful generalization of skills for some, but not all, children. Telehealth and sibling-mediated intervention are promising areas of further research and clinical practice.
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Brady R, Maccarrone A, Holloway J, Gunning C, Pacia C. Exploring Interventions Used to Teach Friendship Skills to Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-019-00194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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20
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Kent C, Cordier R, Joosten A, Wilkes-Gillan S, Bundy A. Can I join in? Multiple case study investigation of play performance generalisation for children with autism spectrum disorder from dyad to triad. Aust Occup Ther J 2019; 67:199-209. [PMID: 31823379 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with play, social interaction with peers and generalisation of intervention outcomes. The Ultimate Guide to Play, Language and Friendship (PLF) has demonstrated effectiveness in improving play performance of children with ASD and their typically developing (TD) peers. The aim of this investigation was to examine the changes in play performance when an additional TD child is added to an existing dyad of a child with ASD and a TD playmate to inform future delivery and adaptations of the intervention. METHODS Participants in this multiple case study design were five children with ASD and their TD peer who completed a dyad intervention as part of a randomised control trial investigation of the PLF and an additional TD peer who joined the play dyad. A trained occupational therapist delivered an adapted version of the PLF to the triad over four clinic sessions. An independent rater scored each child (N = 15) on The Test of Playfulness at pre- and post-triad intervention. Line graphs were used to examine case data and compare to dyad play performance and patterns of interaction. RESULTS Four of the five children with ASD generalised their play performance from the dyad to the triad social environment. However, the triad intervention did not demonstrate improvements in play performance. The play performance scores for the children with ASD and their TD peers were variable and demonstrated changes in their play pattern from the dyad to the triad. CONCLUSION This investigation delivered preliminary evidence of play performance generalisation from a dyad to a triad with TD peers for children with ASD. Careful consideration of characteristics of all playmates is recommended for delivering the intervention to support play performance of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cally Kent
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, USA
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, USA.,School Department of Special Needs Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annette Joosten
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Anita Bundy
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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