This paper reports the findings of a study testing the impact of a behavioral intervention process based on Positive Behavior Support (PBS) which was implemented with children diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorder (ASDs) and their families. The outcome related hypotheses guiding the research revolved around two variables: parental stress and perceived quality of life. Standardized measures—the Parental Stress Index (PSI) and a PBS Quality of Life Survey—were used to test differences between experimental and control groups. During the first stage of the research data were collected on cases as well as a single matched control group. The second stage of the research entailed collecting data on not only matched experimental and control groups but on an additional control group of parents of typical children. Pre and post PSI data and post quality of life data were collected in both stages of the research for the matched experimental and control groups. PSI only data were collected on the typical child control group. Four parental stress hypotheses and one quality of life hypothesis were tested. Significant results suggested that parents of children with autism experience greater stress in their lives than parents of typical children. Parents of children with autism who seek some relief through intervention experience greater levels of stress than parents of children with autism who do not seek intervention. Finally, on all quality of life survey items, the experimental group response means were higher than those of the control group.
Learning Objectives: 1) To learn the results of a project aimed at preventing secondary conditions of Autism Spectrum Disorders; and 2) To learn about parental stress and quality of life measurements.
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Children With Special Needs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.