Predictors of adherence to treatment by parents in a behavioral intervention curriculum for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract

Information on the extent to which parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities adhere to prescribed behavioral treatments is limited. In this treatment adherence study, parents (n=21) of children with autism spectrum disorders were surveyed regarding implementation of intervention strategies for skills instruction and problem behavior management. All parents had participated in a standardized parent training curriculum through a community service provider specializing in treatment based in applied behavior analysis for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Four variables were significantly correlated with reported adherence, three of which (agreement with spouse on implementation of interventions, perceived effectiveness as a behavior change agent, confidence in the intervention to produce meaningful change) were theoretically related and highly correlated (α=.71) and included in a linear regression as a single factor (labeled „assurance‟) along with the variable of perceived acceptance of the child in family and community activities. The full model explained 53% of the variance in reported adherence (p<.001), and the „assurance‟ contributed a significant amount of unique information to the model (p<.002). The implications of parent perception in explanatory frameworks for adherence are discussed and next steps in research are suggested. Key Words: adherence; parent skills training; applied behavior analysis; autism.