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In the current study, we describe a study of the Internet-based Parent-implemented Communication Strategies-Storybook (i-PiCSS). I-PiCSS is an intervention program designed to train and coach parents to use evidence-based naturalistic communication teaching (NCT) strategies (i.e., modeling, mand-model, and time delay) and reading techniques while reading storybooks with their young children with disabilities. Three participating parents were trained via online modules and coached via telepractice technologies (videoconferences). Zoom videoconference software was used for all coaching sessions. Using a single case multiple-baseline design across NCT strategies within each family, we examined, (a) parents' fidelity use of the three NCT strategies, (b) parents' use of book reading techniques, and (c) child language and communication outcomes. After self-directed training and remote coaching, parents used modeling, mand-model, and time delay strategies with higher rates and fidelity (accuracy). Children initiated more communicative acts upon parents' use of time delay and increased their numbers of single-and multiple-word responses.

We describe a study of the internet-based Parent-Implemented Communication Strategies--Storybook (i-PiCSS), an intervention designed to train and coach parents to use evidenced-based naturalistic communication teaching (NCT) strategies (i.e., modeling, mand-model, and time delay) and RTs while reading storybooks with their young children with disabilities. Three participating parents were trained and coached via telepractice technologies (videoconferences, video editing software). Zoom software was used for videoconferencing and Camtasia software was used to record the training and coaching sessions and to edit the recorded session for feedback delivery purposes. Using a single-case multiple-baseline design across NCT strategies within each family, we examined (a) parents' fidelity use of the three NCT strategies, (b) parents' use of book RTs, and (c) child language and communication outcomes. The entire intervention period lasted 8 weeks. After training and coaching, parents used the modeling, mand-model, and time delay strategies with higher rates and higher quality (accuracy). Children initiated more communicative acts upon parents' use of time delay and increased their numbers of single- and multiple-word responses.

Perceptions of parents of young children receiving early intervention are important to understand. Parents have valuable opinions on the delivery of early interventions services and can provide critical feedback that can help professionals revise their existing early intervention delivery modalities. In the current study, we examined the perceptions of parents of young children with Down syndrome on early intervention services in Turkey. Specifically, we aimed to understand the parents' views on medical and educational evaluation and diagnosis processes. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional research design, which is one of the survey design methods. Data were collected from a total of 893 parents via an online survey. The results demonstrated that children with Down syndrome were diagnosed within an average of 2.3 months from birth, but the average age for starting education was 10.5 months. The majority of the parents evaluated the process until their children were diagnosed and accessed education services as a rather slow process that proceeded with their own means and efforts. Furthermore, the parents reported that during the diagnosis processes the type of materials, equipment, toys, and settings used were not relevant and time provided was insufficient. Moreover, the majority of the parents reported that the education services presented to them and their children were not sufficient and early intervention services were not provided within a system. As a result, although the legal regulations in Turkey are parallel to those in developed countries and studies in the field have been increasingly gaining momentum, issues such as the absence of an early intervention system model, insufficient cooperation between experts and institutions, and the shortage of expert staff in the field are still present and awaiting a solution.

In the current study, we examined the effect of a parent-implemented early communication intervention during shared book reading. Three mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder were trained and coached to use a set of reading techniques and evidenced-based naturalistic communication teaching strategies (i.e., modeling, mand-model, and time delay). Using a multiple-baseline design across behaviors, the following three components were examined: (a) the mothers' use of reading techniques with fidelity, (b) the mothers' rate and fidelity in using the three naturalistic teaching strategies, and (c) the children's communication outcomes. After training and coaching, the mothers used the reading techniques and naturalistic teaching strategies with high fidelity. The children initiated more communicative acts upon their mothers' use of time delay.

Coaching is becoming a common professional development strategy to support early childhood (EC) professionals to use evidence-based practices. However, most of the research on coaching professionals in EC settings has been conducted in classroom or center-based EC settings. The authors of this review sought to summarize the current empirical literature on coaching of EC home visitors. Seven studies were identified and coded to determine common factors. Additional research is greatly needed to identify whether coaching home visitors is an evidence-based professional development strategy and the effective components of coaching in home-based programs.

Shared interactive book reading (SIBR) is a broad term used to describe the act of adults reading aloud to children, while encouraging interaction by asking questions and engaging in a discussion about the book. SIBR can be used to embed naturalistic communication teaching strategies, creating learning opportunities to promote a child's language and communication skills. This article presents practical information on how caregivers can use naturalistic communication teaching strategies during SIBR with their child with developmental delays or disabilities (DD). The intended audiences are caregivers (e.g., parents, grandparents) and practitioners (e.g., classroom teachers, speech-language pathologists, reading specialists) who work with caregivers of children with DD. We explain the importance of early communication skills, naturalistic communication teaching strategies, and SIBR, and describe how to embed naturalistic communication teaching strategies within SIBR. Through a vignette we illustrate how caregivers can implement the techniques and strategies and how practitioners can support caregivers' implementation.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature researching telepractice and parent-implemented language and communication interventions. A total of 12 studies met inclusion criteria and comprise the final study sample. A majority of the included articles were single-case research studies, and two were randomized controlled trials. We analyzed participant characteristics, intervention types, outcomes, and research quality in all 12 studies. All telepractice-based parent-implemented interventions reported improvements in parent and/or child outcomes. We evaluated the rigor of the studies against single-case research and group design quality indicators as well as What Works Clearinghouse standards. Of the 10 single-case research studies, one met single-case research design standards and six met standards with reservations, and of the two group design studies, only one met all quality indicators and standards. Results are discussed and future directions are provided.

Interventions designed for children with disabilities and their families should be socially valid. Parent-implemented Communication Strategies-Storybook (PiCSS) is an intervention package designed to coach parents on shared storybook reading and naturalistic teaching strategies. In PiCSS program, the participating parents used the communication teaching strategies with high fidelity, and children responded more to their parents' communication. To evaluate the social validity of PiCSS, we designed video-based rating surveys and collected data from masked raters (college students and practitioners). In total, 120 raters evaluated 12 1-min video clips. Quantitative analyses revealed that all raters scored coaching videos significantly higher than baseline videos for parent and child outcomes, indicating the PiCSS program had positive outcomes in parent--child interactions.