A Two Caregiver-Implemented Intervention Using Occupation-Centered Coaching

ABSTRACT

With the rising number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), interventions that are evidence-based and responsive to the occupational needs of families as a unit are needed. Two single-case changing criterion designs (CCDs) were used to examine the effect of a two caregiver-implemented coaching intervention on play, specifically the quality of social interactions for a family with a toddler with ASD. The fidelity and social validity of the intervention were also examined. The intervention yielded improvements in the child’s performance of play, the caregivers’ satisfaction with his play, and the quality of social interactions of each family member participating in playtime. The intervention was delivered with fidelity and had strong social validity, with the caregivers valuing shared decision-making, doing together to enhance learning and spousal support, and feedback in graphic and video forms. The findings support the use of a two caregiver-implemented and occupation-centered coaching approach to intervention focused on play for a family unit; however, replication of the study procedures with additional family units is needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Caregiver-implemented intervention
• autism
• occupation-centered practice
• coaching
• play

Acknowledgments

The author(s) extend appreciation to the doctoral dissertation committee who supported the preparation and implementation of the pilot study: Dr. Katarina Haley, Dr. Linn Wakeford, Dr. Brian Boyd, and Dr. Ruth Humphry; the family who participated; and the faculty who made the grant support possible to conduct this research: Dr. Betsy Crais, Dr. Harriet Able, Dr. Linda Watson, and Dr. Grace Baranek.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Education [H325D130041, R324A100305].