Coaching Caregivers to Teach Responding to Joint Attention for Toddlers with Autism

We examined the effectiveness of coaching on caregiver implementation of responding to joint attention (RJA) intervention for toddlers with autism. We used a nonconcurrent multiple-baseline across participants single-case research design to examine the relation between coaching practices and caregivers’ RJA intervention implementation behaviors. Results indicated caregiver coaching that incorporated a behavioral skills training model was an effective approach for coaching caregivers on RJA intervention and resulted in caregivers’ improved use of intervention procedures. All three toddlers with autism demonstrated an increased number of correct RJA behaviors; however, the level of behavioral change varies across children.