Effects of an Interactive Web Training to Support Parents in Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism. Issue 5 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turgeon, Stéphanie; Lanovaz, Marc J.; Dufour, Marie-Michèle
• Is Part Of: Behavior modification. Volume 45:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 796
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: autism -- behavioral interventions -- challenging behavior -- parent training -- web training; Behavior modification -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 153.85
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445520915671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-4455

Abstract

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in challenging behaviors, which may interfere with their daily functioning, development, and well-being. To address this issue, we conducted a four-week randomized waitlist control trial to examine the effects of a fully self-guided interactive web training (IWT) on (a) child engagement in challenging behaviors and (b) parental intervention. After 4 weeks, parents in the treatment group reported lower levels of challenging behaviors in their children and more frequent use of behavioral interventions than those in the waitlist groups. Furthermore, within-group analyses suggest that these changes persisted up to 12 weeks following completion of the IWT. Our results highlight the potential utility of web training, but our high attrition rate and potential side effects prevent us from recommending the training as a standalone treatment.