A web-based tutorial for parents of young children with autism: results from a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children with autism. Unfortunately, many children do not receive early intervention services due to a critical shortage of trained professionals in this area. To bridge this gap, we evaluated a Web-based parent training tutorial (Enhancing Interactions), based on evidence-based practices and utilizing the Web-based platform to maximize learning.


METHODS
Twenty-three parents with a child between 18 months and 6 years with an autism spectrum disorder participated. Pre- and posttest scores of parents' knowledge were used to evaluate tutorial effectiveness. The system usability scale (SUS) evaluated technical user-friendliness and the user satisfaction questionnaire (USQ), gauged satisfaction with content.


RESULTS
The mean number of correct items on the posttest significantly increased, from 12.6 to 20.4, p<0.001. The mean SUS score was 85 (standard deviation=17), corresponding to a score of "excellent." All participants found the tutorial user friendly, well integrated, and 96% (all but one participant) thought it was easy to use, felt confident using the technical features, and would use a tutorial like this again. On the USQ, all participants found that the tutorial was well organized, clearly presented, and easy to understand; that it increased their knowledge about communicating with their child; and that they felt capable of applying these techniques with their child.


CONCLUSIONS
The tutorial appears effective in increasing parents' knowledge with high user satisfaction.
Center for Psychological Consultation, Madison, Wisconsin 53717, USA. kobak@charter.net
Kenneth A
KA
Kobak
Wendy L
WL
Stone
Elizabeth
E
Wallace
Zachary
Z
Warren
Amy
A
Swanson
Kraig
K
Robson
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult