Expanding interventions for children with autism: Parents as trainers

The number of individuals diagnosed with autism has risen at an alarming rate. Expanding services should be a primary consideration of programs for children and their families. This article presents outcome data from a week-long parent education program for families of children with autism to suggest that parents can learn not only how to effectively implement strategies into their interactions with their children but also to train others who work with their children. Single-case research methods were used to assess the spread of effect of a parent education program from parents to other care providers. Results indicate that parents successfully trained others to implement the techniques presented during the program. Additionally, the children's social communication and behaviors improved during interactions with the other caregivers.