Parent Education for Autism

Abstract

Providing effective support services for families of children with autism is a growing area of concern. Individual and system-level risk factors that are associated with having autism could result in poor outcomes. Positive behavior interventions that address individual and family needs could potentially ameliorate these risk factors. Literature on parent education, effective behavior interventions, and the importance of viewing the individual within a socioecocultural framework are presented. These components should be considered in designing effective intervention programs for families. This article documents through a review of relevant research the need to provide appropriate services along with the need to develop service delivery models that will effectively reach families.