Effects of a Computer-based Self-instructional Training Package on Novice Instructors’ Implementation of Discrete Trial Instruction and a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention

• Main Author: Horsch, Rachel M.
• Other Authors: Toussaint, Karen A.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2015
• Subjects: Autism; discrete-trial instruction; naturalistic instruction; staff training; video modeling; self-instructional manuals; Autistic children > Behavior modification.; Behavior therapists > Training of.; Computer-assisted instruction.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc804897/

Discrete trial instruction (DTI) and naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) are often incorporated into early intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism. Recent advances in staff training methods have demonstrated that self-instructional manuals, video models, and computer-based training are effective and efficient ways to improve staff implementation of these teaching strategies however research in this area is limited. The current evaluation assessed the effects of a computer-based training package including self-instructional manuals with embedded video models on direct-care staff’s implementation of DTI and an NDBI. All participants’ DTI teaching fidelity increased during role-plays with an adult and with a child with autism and all participants increased teaching fidelity across untrained instructional programs. In addition, moderate improvement was demonstrated following NDBI training on the use of correct prompts, environmental arrangements, and response interaction. Together, these results indicate that therapists are able to acquire a large number of skills using two teaching techniques, DTI and NDBI, following brief computer-based training.