The Effectiveness of a Distance Peer Mentor Training Program with Military Spouses with Children with Autism

Abstract

Several researchers have described a training for mentorship programs; however, few studies have examined the effects of mentor training on mentor knowledge of communication strategies taught in the training. This investigation developed and tested a distance peer mentor training for military spouses with children with autism. Results indicated prospective military spouse mentors scored significantly higher on training assessments than those in the comparison group, demonstrating they acquired knowledge and skills from the online training. Further, military spouse mentors in the training group felt the training was useful and helped prepare them to mentor other military spouses. This pilot investigation demonstrated a brief, online peer mentor training may be used to train peer mentors.

Keywords: Autism; Military families; Online training; Peer mentor.