The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) requires extensive commitment from parents on a daily basis, which is difficult for some families. This presentation shares a new tool developed through research by the presenter. The EIBI Parental Self-Efficacy Scale identifies areas where parents may need help. Discussion will include usage, reliability and validity. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments available for young children with autism.  A critical component is parent involvement, and participating in EIBI typically requires extensive commitment from parents that affect the whole family on a daily basis for several years.  Unfortunately, some families struggle with some aspects and sometimes discontinue treatment.  This presentation will share a new tool developed through a research study conducted by the presenter.  The EIBI Parental Self-Efficacy (EPSE) Scale identifies areas in which parents may need additional support to successfully receive EIBI for their child.  Reliability, validity, and other key properties will be discussed.

The EPSE Scale was the subject of my recently completed dissertation (Capella University) for a degree in Human Services.  The study involved a rigorous scale development best practices methodology including expert review, large sample administration, robust data analysis, and factor analysis.  The final result is a 29-item, 5-factor scale that is ready for deployment in research and practice.  The primary intent of the EPSE Scale is to give Behavior Analysts who run home-based EIBI programs a reliable and objective tool to routinely assess the parents of the child who is receiving EIBI.  The assessment involves completing the brief questionnaire in which parents are asked how confident they feel in carrying out a number of common tasks related to running a home-based EIBI program.  The results are designed to open up a constructive dialogue between the BCBA and parents to talk about challenges identified, and work together to develop solutions, such as modifying the program or identifying other community resources.  This way, parents can be more easily supported through open communication and BCBAs finally have a facilitative tool which they currently lack.  This tool is published and free for anyone to use.

The presentation will review the major literature (autism, parenting, EIBI) and theory (self-efficacy) guiding the study.  The methodology will be discussed to demonstrate the scale's established psychometric properties.  Key findings will be discussed, including five key areas that should be assessed for a family-centered EIBI program.  Finally, participants will learn how to use the tool in their practice or in research.

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