Using the prevent-teach-reinforce model to reduce challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder in home settings : a feasibility study
Article [Accepted Manuscript]
Abstract(s)
Background. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often engage in high levels of challenging
behaviors, which can be difficult to reduce for parents in home settings. The purpose of our study was to
address this issue by examining the effects of adapting the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce model (PTR) to
support parents in reducing challenging behaviors in children with ASD in a feasibility study. Method. We
conducted a non-blinded randomized trial to compare the effect of the PTR to a business as usual, less
intensive intervention (i.e., 3-hr training) on challenging and desirable behaviors (N = 24). Results. The
PTR and the 3-hr parental training both reduced challenging behaviors and increased desirable
behaviors. Moreover, parents implemented the PTR model with high fidelity and rated it highly for social
acceptability. Conclusions. This feasibility study showed that it is possible to compare the PTR with
families to a less intensive intervention in a future trial. However, research with a larger sample is
essential to determine whether the PTR is more effective than less intensive treatments (e.g., parent
training)