A Telehealth Delivered Toilet Training Intervention for Children with Autism.

Abstract

Independence in toileting is a vital skill, yet toilet-training interventions for children with autism are limited. We investigated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a hybrid telehealth intervention that used synchronous individualized coaching sessions and asynchronous online educational materials to support parents in toilet training their children with autism. Participants included 34 families of children with autism ages 2 to 8 years. Measures were administered at pre- and postintervention (10-12 weeks) and included the Toileting Behavior Questionnaire, Goal Attainment Scaling, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Twenty-five families completed all intervention procedures. Parents found the intervention highly acceptable and reported significant improvements in child toileting behaviors; however, families accessed the asynchronous intervention materials at a low rate. A parent coaching model delivered through telehealth may be a promising method to increase toileting independence among families of young children with autism.