Abstract

Abstract Background: This implementation feasibility study was conducted to determine whether an evidence-based parent -implemented distance-learning intervention model for young children at high likelihood of having ASD could be implemented at fidelity by Part C community providers and by parents in low resource communities.Methods: The study used a community academic partnership model to adapt an evidence-based intervention tested in the current pilot trial involving randomization by agency in four states and enrollment of 35 coaches and 34 parent-family dyads. After baseline data were gathered, providers in the experimental group received up to 12 hours of training while control providers received six webinars on early development. Six months of intervention with children-families then followed, concluding with data collection. Regression analyses were used to model outcomes of the coach behaviors, the parent fidelity ratings, and child outcomes.Results: A block design model-building approach was used to test the null model followed by the inclusion of group as a predictor, and finally the inclusion of the planned covariates. Model fit was examined using changes in R²and F-statistic. As hypothesized, results demonstrated significant gains in (1) experimental provider fidelity of implementation compared to the control group; and (2) experimental parent fidelity of implementation compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between groups in child developmental scores. Conclusions: Even though the experimental parent group averaged less than 30 minutes weekly with providers in the 6 months, both providers and parents demonstrated statistically significant gains with moderate effect sizes compared to control groups. Since child changes in parent mediated models are dependent upon the parents’ ability to deliver the intervention, and since parent delivery is dependent upon providers who are coaching the parents, these results demonstrated that two of these three links of the chain were positively affected by the experimental implementation model. However, lack of significant differences in child group gains suggests that further work is needed on this model. Factors to consider include amount of contact with the provider, amount of practice children experience, amount of contact both providers and parents spend on training materials, and motivational strategies for parents, among others. Trial registration: Registry of Efficacy and Effectiveness Studies: #4360, registered 1xx, October, 2020 – Retrospectively registered, http://

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