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. 2018 Dec:56:36-49.
doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

A Video Parent-Training Program for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Albania

Yael G Dai  1 , Lynn Brennan  2 , Ariel Como  3 , Jamie Hughes-Lika  4 , Thyde Dumont-Mathieu  5 , Iris Carcani Rathwell  6 , Ola Minxhozi  3 , Blerina Aliaj  7 , Deborah A Fein  1
Affiliations

A Video Parent-Training Program for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Albania

Yael G Dai et al. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2018 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Behavioral intervention with parent participation is effective in reducing symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but access to intervention is limited. The current study explored whether a video-enriched parent-training program would (a) be comprehensible and acceptable to parents in the Republic of Albania, (b) increase parental knowledge of behavioral strategies and (c) increase parental self-efficacy.

Methods: Twenty-nine parents of children with ASD aged 18-70 months completed the Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (EIPSES, Guimond, Wilcox, & Lamorey, 2008) and a quiz to assess their knowledge of behavioral strategies. Parents in the Treatment Group then received access to a parent-training (PT) program on evidence-based teaching and behavior management techniques. The program was based on empirical research, but considered Albanian cultural norms and included topics Albanian parents requested. Parents in the Treatment Group rated the program using the Treatment Evaluation Inventory Short Form (TEI-SF; Kelley, Heffer, Gresham, & Elliott, 1989). Change in parents' quiz scores and EIPSES ratings from baseline to post-treatment were compared by group.

Results: Parents rated this video training program as comprehensible and valuable. The program modestly increased aspects of self-efficacy as well as parents' knowledge of effective teaching strategies.

Conclusion: Remote PT may be useful in low-resource settings to help parents develop techniques for teaching skills and forestalling problem behavior in children with ASD. Additional research, with a larger sample size, that observes the effect of the program on child behavior is warranted.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Distance learning; Intervention; Parent training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest Ariel Como and Iris Rathwell received consulting fees from this grant. All authors declare that they have no potential or competing conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Quiz Scores by Group and Time
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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