Parent-Mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention and Changes in Parental Occupational Performance: A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: To describe changes in two parents’ perceptions of their own parenting abilities following participation in parent-mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI).

Methods: Intervention services included 11 weekly hour-long sessions spent instructing parents of a two-year-old child in the use of interactive techniques to encourage social reciprocity and engagement. Initial and follow-up Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) ratings were collected and compared to child progress measured via Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS).

Results: COPM ratings for specific parenting activities that were identified as priorities by the participants showed clinically important changes following participation in these services. These changes were paralleled by developmental gains made by the child measured via GAS.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that parent-mediated NDBI may be associated with changes in parents’ perception of occupational performance during parenting activities. Furthermore, the COPM may be a useful measure of occupational performance of parents as they relate to developmental progress made by their child.

Keywords:

• Autism
• naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention
• occupational therapy
• parenting
• parent-mediated intervention

Acknowledgments

This case report was conducted as a part of Luke Mitchell’s completion of his Doctoral degree in occupational therapy. The author would like to thank the family and child for their participation. The author would also like to thank Kersti Pettit-Kekel for guidance and supervision throughout the treatment process, and Kristin Gabaldon for assistance in preparing this paper.

Disclosure statement

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor change. This change do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Notes on contributors

Luke Mitchell

Luke Mitchell is an Occupational Therapist practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a graduate of Pacific University's Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. His professional interests include family-centered practice, neurodiversity and evidenced-based practice for autism and ADHD.