Family Members as Co-Therapists: Assessing a Behavior Analysis Intervention for Children with Autism

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support skill development in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the inclusion of family members as co-therapists. Supervised by faculty and graduate researchers from a Brazilian public university, undergraduate students developed 240 individualized teaching programs applied in collaboration with families over a period of up to 12 weeks. To measure skill gains, the Operationalized Portage Inventory was administered at the beginning and end of the intervention. Results demonstrated significant family adherence, with substantial improvements observed in all children’s skill levels as shown by scoring. Additionally, family members reported positive perceptions of the children’s development, indicating effectiveness in the home setting. A relevant limitation was the management of challenging behaviors, highlighting the need for additional approaches. This study underscores the positive impact of family involvement in ASD interventions, reinforcing collaboration in promoting child development.