Feasibility of Competent Learner Model With Families of Children With ASD

Study Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental disorder effecting one in fifty-nine children. Each individual with ASD is unique. Children with ASD may have trouble making friends, keeping friends, communicating their needs, engaging in leisure activities, learning to read and do math, and many other challenges. The children may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hitting themselves or flapping their hands, and may be over sensitive to particular sounds or lights which can make certain places, such as a store, very uncomfortable. Also, children with ASD may have challenging behaviors such as hitting others and excessive tantrums that can seem uncontrollable. 25 to 40 hours a week of intensive applied behavior analysis is the evidence-based treatment for children with ASD. Many children with ASD in rural areas and certain states are unable to access evidence-based treatment because of insurance barriers and lack of providers. The Competent Learner Model uses strategies from applied behavior analysis to target core skills that increase successful participation in life activities. Its program is applicable across all ages and developmental levels, and it has an online course of study which has been used to train professionals and lay people alike including parents. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of training parents in applied behavior analysis using the Competent Learner Model with children with ASD who do not have access to treatment. The program consisted of a hybrid of group sessions for caregivers, coaching sessions for the caregiver-child dyads, and online units for caregivers. This project assessed participation in and satisfaction with the program as well as changes in parenting stress. Feedback from caregivers will be used to create a more satisfactory method of increasing accessing to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in rural areas.