Effectiveness and Acceptability of Parent-Implemented Behavior Interventions for Children with Autism in Three African American Families

Abstract

No studies of parent-implemented behavior interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have purposefully examined their effectiveness and acceptability with African American families. The present study used a multiple baseline across participants design to evaluate the effectiveness of parentimplemented differential reinforcement plus visual support to increase appropriate alternatives to problem behavior in three children with ASD from African American families. Parents also rated the social validity of the intervention and were qualitatively interviewed regarding their perceptions of its effectiveness and acceptability. Results indicated the intervention was effective for 2 of 3 dyads, though levels of treatment integrity ranged greatly across participants and over time. In general, all dyads rated the intervention as acceptable and effective. Implications of this study for effectiveness and acceptability of behavior interventions in groups less represented in autism research are discussed.