Remote follow-up to speech-language intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): parents’ feedback regarding structured activities

Purpose  This paper aims to present the first descriptions of experiences of parents and caretakers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) enrolled as mediators in a structured program of speech-language intervention with remote follow-up.

Methods  Research with focus on speech-language intervention for children with ASD was carried out with remote follow-up. Forty parents were instructed to perform daily activities focused on communication and interaction with their children, at home, for a period of six weeks. Parents and caretakers were questioned about the experience and by means of a structured questionnaire.

Results  Only 40% of the parents/caretakers conducted the activities proposed every day. Difficulties were reported by 60% of the parents/caretakers. Behavioral problems were also reported as reasons for the difficulties to conduct the activities proposed.

Conclusion  the importance of parents who provide detailed information about the child’s development, discuss doubts and exchange experiences for the development of intervention programs that include families.

Keywords
Autistic Disorder; Language; Parent-child Relations; Social Communication; Behavior