Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by pervasive impairments, inhibiting social interaction and learning opportunities, often with ensuing behavior challenges. Studies estimate that 25-30% of children with ASD do not develop flexible and consistent language. Communication skills are essential to supporting individuals with ASD to communicate their needs, navigate their chosen environments independently, and establish relationships. Fortunately, researchers have identified several practices to address social communication challenges. Naturalistic teaching (NT) and parent-mediated intervention (PMI) are two practices derived from applied behavior analysis that are evidence-based and highly effective language acquisition methods. Caregiver-implemented interventions, often facilitated via coaching, provide families with supportive practice to increase their children’s language within natural contexts. By equipping parents with tools, strategies, and support, these interventions leverage the strength of the family unit to facilitate language-rich learning opportunities. Despite empirically-supported communication models for ASD and solid evidence supporting NT and PMI, insufficient access to high-quality interventions remains a barrier for families. Barriers such as inequalities in access to services, challenges in customizing training, schedule constraints, and family pressures remain significant concerns for caregivers.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a naturalistic caregiver coaching package on the accuracy of parents' implementation of Referent-Based Instruction (RBI), evaluate their children's verbal behavior repertoires subsequent to intervention, and explore caregivers’ experiences in participating in RBI. Results suggest that caregivers improved their fidelity and implementation of RBI procedures following the introduction of the coaching package. Child participants' communicative repertoires increased after caregivers participated in the intervention, and they reported their experiences in this training as highly positive.