Effects of Training and E-Mail Feedback on Behavior Therapists' Use of Instructive Feedback

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Given that more paraprofessionals are hired to deliver one-on-one intervention to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) under the auspices of behavioral health agencies, it is important that these paraprofessionals receive adequate supervision to support their implementation of high quality intervention while often working alone without frequent observation and feedback from their supervisors. This study investigated a training package consisting of didactic training and performance feedback delivered via electronic mail as a means of improving behavior therapists’ use of an evidence-based practice called instructive feedback (IF). A multiple baseline design across four behavior therapists was employed. The findings suggest that the training package was effective and efficient in improving behavior therapists’ use of IF. However, only when e-mail feedback was given did the behavior therapists demonstrate proficiency of IF implementation. Maintenance and generalization across children, and social validity were also assessed.