Parent Training for Families who have Children with Autism: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to examine the literature on parent training for parents of children with autism. Families with a child diagnosed with autism often face a discrepancy between their need for services and the availability of services either because they live in geographically distant areas or because they are on a long wait list for services. Researchers have found that parents, if trained, can serve as a facilitator of positive change for their child. There is a plethora of home- and facility-based parent training services. Noticeably absent, however, are studies that directly address the needs of families with limited access to parent training (e.g., families who live in rural areas). In this review, the researchers demonstrate a gap in providing parent training to those who do not have access to these services. The researchers provide implications for research and practice to bridge the gap.