Parent perceptions of an adapted evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism in a community setting - Autism - 2017 Vol. 21(2) 217–230

Oct 15, 2026

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Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions delivered by parents have produced positive outcomes for reducing core autism symptoms, yet evidence on their effectiveness in community contexts remains limited. Parent perspectives on involvement in parent-implemented early intervention programs are also insufficiently studied. This study follows 13 families while they receive training in Project ImPACT, combining qualitative and quantitative data to assess perceived feasibility by community providers. Results show training feasibility, strong parent acceptance, and perceived child benefit, with recommendations for adaptation and further research.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages14

Reading Time35 min

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Original Article Parent perceptions of an adapted evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism in a community setting Autism 2017, Vol. 21(2) 217–230 © The Author(s) 2016 Reprints and permissions: [sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav](sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav)[ ](sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav)[DOI: 10.1177/1362361316637580](DOI: 10.1177/1362361316637580)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/1362361316637580)[aut.sagepub.com](aut.sagepub.com) Aubyn C Stahmer 1,2, Lauren Brookman-Frazee2,3, Sarah R Rieth2,4, Julia Trigeiro Stoner2,4, Joshua D Feder2,3, Karyn Searcy2,5 and Tiffany Wang2,3 Abstract Although data from parent-implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions have shown positive effects on decreasing core symptoms of autism, there has been limited examination of the effectiveness of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions in community settings. In addition, parent perspectives of their involvement in parent-implemented early intervention programs have not been well studied. Using both qualitative and quantitative data to examine parent perspectives and the perceived feasibility of parent training by community providers, 13 families were followed as they received training in the Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, Project ImPACT. Data indicate that parent training by community providers is feasible and well received, and parents find value in participating in intervention and perceive benefit for their children. Recommendations for adaptation of program elements and future research are discussed. Keywords autism spectrum disorder, early intervention, evidence-based practice, parent perceptions, toddlers Introduction The number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently 1 in 68, and identification is occurring at increasingly early ages. A diagnosis by an experienced professional is considered very reliable by age 2 (Lord et al., 2006) . In a recent study of prevalence rates, 44% of children with ASD had received a comprehensive evaluation before age 3, and mention of developmental concerns was documented before age 3 for almost 89% of these children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2014) . Many families of children with early ASD symptoms seek services prior to a diagnosis due to language and social delays. A growing body of research suggests that beginning intervention early can greatly improve outcomes for children at risk for ASD. Current recommendations suggest initiating intervention as soon as a child receives a diagnosis (National Research Council, 2001; Rogers, 1998) . Intervening at the first signs ofASD risk, however, prior to a formal diagnosis being made, maybe even more powerful and prevent the onset of symptoms for some children (Dawson, 2008) . Treating ASD has a societal cost of up to US$2 .4 million over the lifespan (Buescher et al., 2014) . Effective early intervention (EI) can greatly decrease the lifespan costs of supporting an individual with ASD (Jarbrink and Knapp, 2001; Penner et al., 2015) and continues to be an important priority to best support children and families. In addition to intervening as early as possible, it has been long established that parent involvement is crucial for optimal child outcomes (Maglione et al., 2012; National Research Council, 2001) . Several recent randomized trials 1 UC Davis MIND Institute, USA 2Child and Adolescent Services Research Center 3University of California, San Diego, USA 4San Diego State University, USA 5Crimson Center for Speech & Language, USA Corresponding author: Aubyn C Stahmer, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Rm 2252, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. Email: [astahmer@ucdavis.edu](astahmer@ucdavis.edu) of parent-implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral interventions (NDBIs) for ASD have shown positive effects on core symp

FAQs

What gap does the study address about naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions?

It examines the limited evidence for how naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions work in community settings and addresses the lack of research on parent perspectives about participating in parent-implemented early intervention programs.

What program and study approach were used to gather parent perspectives?

Thirteen families received training in the Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, Project ImPACT, and the study used both qualitative and quantitative data to examine parent views and perceived feasibility of parent training by community providers.

What do parents and community providers find about parent training in this program?

Parent training delivered by community providers is reported as feasible and well received, and parents find value in participating and perceive benefits for their children.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Ben