title: A systematic review of training programs for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: single subject contributions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this systematic review was to examine research utilizing single subject research designs (SSRD) to explore the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase parents' ability to support communication and social development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Included studies were systematically assessed for methodological quality (Logan et al., 2008; Smith et al., 2007) and intervention effects. Data examining participant characteristics, study methodology, outcomes, and analysis were systematically extracted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven SSRD parent-training intervention studies examining 44 participants with ASD were included. Overall, the studies were of moderate quality and reported increases in parent skills and child language and communication outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results supported by improvement rate difference (IRD) analysis indicated several interventions demonstrated positive effects for both parent and child outcomes. However, limited generalization and follow-up data suggested only one intervention demonstrated parents' accurate and ongoing intervention implementation beyond training.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1521, USA. sypatterson@ucla.edu
authors.forename: Stephanie Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mirenda
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*