Coaching Parents of Young Children with Autism in Rural Areas Using Internet-Based Technologies: A Pilot Program

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot program (i.e., Internet-Based Parent-Implemented Communication Strategies [i-PiCS] program) that provides long-distance training and coaching via the Internet to parents of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The i-PiCS program is designed to teach parents how to use evidence-based teaching strategies to improve the social communication skills of their children with ASD. We describe components of a parent-training program that capitalizes on evidence-based strategies and highlights the potential for delivering this program via the Internet. Potential barriers, benefits, and implications for practice and research are discussed.

Keywords

Communication strategies autism spectrum disorder parent training Internet delivery

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