The study, conducted by Marino et al. (2022), highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based Behavioral Skills Training (BST) program aimed at reducing the frequency of targeted behavioral disorders in children with ASD and improving the psychological wellbeing of their parents. The findings are not only encouraging but also offer practical insights for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and better support their students.
Key Findings from the Research
- Reduction in Behavioral Disorders: The study demonstrated a significant reduction in the frequency of all targeted behavioral disorders in children with ASD following the BST intervention.
- Improvement in Parental Wellbeing: Parents reported a decrease in psychological distress and a better perception of the severity of ASD-related symptoms.
- Feasibility of Remote Training: The BST program was successfully delivered remotely, making it a viable option during times when in-person sessions are not possible.
Implementing BST in Your Practice
As a practitioner, you can leverage these findings to enhance your remote therapy sessions. Here are some actionable steps:
- Adopt Remote BST Techniques: Incorporate instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback into your remote sessions to teach new skills effectively.
- Engage Parents Actively: Train parents to monitor and manage their child's behavior using tools like the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) worksheet.
- Use Technology: Utilize video conferencing tools to maintain continuity in treatment and provide real-time feedback to parents.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of remote BST, it's essential to continue exploring and validating these methods. Encourage your colleagues and peers to engage in further research to expand the evidence base and refine these interventions.
In conclusion, the pandemic has pushed us to innovate and adapt, and remote behavioral skills training offers a promising path forward. By integrating these strategies into your practice, you can provide much-needed support to children with ASD and their families, even in challenging times.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Psychological Interventions for Children with Autism during the COVID-19 Pandemic through a Remote Behavioral Skills Training Program.
