Telehealth to Train Interventionists Teaching Functional Living Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) available outside of the United States is significantly lower than the number of individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requiring services. Research on alternative delivery platforms, such as telehealth, to disseminate interventions to those in need is of paramount importance. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of training professionals working with individuals with ASD in behavior-analytic procedures through telehealth. Four professional-child dyads took part. Data were collected on the professional’s treatment fidelity and number of independent steps performed by the children for three functional daily living skills. The study employed a multiple probe design across participants and included a cost analysis. All four professionals met the mastery criterion and all four children demonstrated increases in independence.