Exploring an Online Training Program for Caregivers of Children with ASD Post-pandemic
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Date
2025-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Rural caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges accessing support, and these challenges increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online parent-training programs have been proven to support caregivers of children with ASD, especially for those residing in rural areas. This is a sub-study of a pilot study that examined the effects of a web-based parent training program for caregivers of rural children with ASD post- pandemic. This sub-study used a post-intervention qualitative design to gather caregivers’ perspectives on the online intervention and compare it to resources they received prior to the pandemic. Rural caregivers of children with ASD participated in the study. Participants were invited to complete an online parent training program (Attend Behavior) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, participants were encouraged to provide feedback through a 1:1 interview. 7 participants completed the interview and answered questions that addressed the study’s content and their experiences in relation to the pandemic. All the participants found this program to be helpful considering the recent changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many caregivers did not receive any resources prior to the pandemic and those that had resources received limited information and access due to living in a rural area. Based on these findings, the web-based parent training program, Attend Behavior, has addressed the needs of caregivers of children with ASD post- pandemic. This program can be beneficial for caregivers living in rural areas with limited access to resources and seeking support for their child with ASD.
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Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rural, Caregivers, Covid-19 Pandemic