title: Training paraprofessionals to implement interventions for people autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review summarizes studies in which paraprofessionals were trained to implement interventions for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in school and rehabilitation settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic searches identified 12 studies meeting inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of: (a) participant characteristics, (b) intervention implemented, (c) training procedures, (d) outcomes and (e) certainty of evidence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across the 12 studies intervention was provided to a total of 39 paraprofessionals including teacher aides and rehabilitation staff. Paraprofessionals were trained to implement: social stories, prompting, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), incidental teaching or activity schedules. Training procedures included written and verbal explanations, modelling, video demonstrations, role playing and feedback. Positive outcomes were reported in 92% of the included studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the literature base is limited, this review highlights promising training procedures and areas in need of further research.
authors.affiliation: Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-4225, USA. mrispoli@tamu.edu
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rispoli
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Neely
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ganz
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000193:education*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000628:therapy*; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans