RUBI parent training as a group intervention for children with autism: A community pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently present with co-occurring problem behaviors that interfere with daily living skills and educational placement. The Research Units in Behavioral Intervention (RUBI) parent training manualized intervention was developed as a stand-alone intervention for problem behavior in children with ASD. Group-based parent training options are a low-cost alternative that allow providers to simultaneously serve multiple clients. Currently, no community feasibility studies exist examining the RUBI Parent Training program when delivered as a group intervention. MethodThis study sought to provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of the RUBI Parent Training program as a group intervention. The manualized RUBI Parent Training intervention was delivered to four small groups of caregivers (N = 11) of children (M age = 4.82 years) with ASD. Feasibility data were collected on treatment acceptability, fidelity, and effectiveness. Exploratory treatment effectiveness was evaluated through structured observations of child compliance and parent-report of child problem behavior. ResultsOverall, the group-implemented RUBI Parent Training program was found to be feasible as demonstrated by high levels of parent acceptableness, attendance, and treatment fidelity. Additionally, the majority of the children demonstrated improvements in problem behavior. ConclusionsThe current findings provide initial support for the delivery of the RUBI Parent Training in a group of parents. This could provide a cost-effective alternative for the treatment of problem behavior in children with ASD.