Community providers’ intentions to use a parent-mediated intervention for children with ASD following training: an application of the theory of planned behavior

OBJECTIVES: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence intentions to perform a behavior, and that intentions predict behavior. The present studies examined whether the TPB is applicable to community providers’ use of a parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following introductory training and whether TPB constructs can be modified with training. RESULTS: Study 1 demonstrated that community providers’ intentions to use the intervention post-training predicted their use of the intervention 6 months later [X(2)(1) = 8.03, p = .005]. Study 2 found that provider education (β = .23, t = 2.27, p = .025), attitudes (β = .21, t = 2.09, p = .039), and perceived behavioral control (β = .21, t = 2.15, p = .035) were all unique predictors of intentions. There was a significant increase in providers’ ratings of subjective norms (Z = − 2.46, p = .014) and perceived behavioral control (Z = − 7.36, p < .001) from pre- to post-training. Attitudes towards parent-mediated interventions were highly favorable pre-training and did not significantly increase. Results expand on previous findings and demonstrate the applicability of attitudes and perceived behavioral control in understanding community providers’ use of evidence-based practices for children with ASD.