Online training for parents of children with developmental disabilities in a low-resource community: A pilot feasibility study

Abstract

Challenging behaviors interfere with children's learning, prosocial interactions, and family dynamics. Parents may benefit from receiving training in behavioral principles to prevent and reduce challenging behaviors, especially in low-resourced communities where services are scarce and scattered. This study implemented an adapted online training on behavioral principles with 15 parents of children with developmental disabilities in Paraguay. Analysis of the pretest and posttest assessment data indicated that parents' knowledge of behavioral principles overall increased, and some changes were found in the reported usage of positive parenting practices. Moreover, qualitative interviews with participants revealed that the intervention delivery in Paraguay was considered acceptable. Therefore, providing access to online training in low-resourced communities may be a feasible and accessible intervention for parents of children with developmental disabilities.