Improving Caregiver Engagement in Early Interventions for Autistic Children Using a Mobile Health Approach
University of California, Davis
Summary
The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of the FANS-EI program in supporting caregiver engagement in caregiver-mediated early interventions for young children with autism. This study also examines caregiver-perceived social support and self-efficacy and FANS-EI implementation outcomes (feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness).
Description
Caregiver involvement in early intervention (EI) goal setting and intervention delivery aligns with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines. Active participation from caregivers significantly influences intervention adherence and ultimately affects child outcomes. When caregivers struggle with obtaining a diagnosis and early intervention services, low caregiver engagement can further exacerbate these challenges. In fact, the attrition rate for parent-mediated early interventions for autism ranges from 35% to 62%. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 1+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Providers' eligibility criteria 1. currently providing early intervention services, including a caregiver-coaching component 2. having at least 1 child in the autism service classification on their caseload. Caregiver/Child Dyads eligibility criteria 1. child is 12-60 months of age at the time of enrollment 2. child has a diagnosis or high likelihood of autism 3. a family/friend supporter of the caregiver is willing to be part of the study 4. caregivers and supporters speak English
Interventions
- BehavioralFANS-EI
Social support related text messages delivered to supporters and caregivers; asynchronized educational materials for supporters.
- BehavioralEarly Intervention
Treatment as usual provided by community-based autism early intervention agencies
Location
- University of California, Davis MIND InstituteSacramento, California