Parent-Implemented Interventions via Telepractice in Autism Research: A Review of Social Validity Assessments

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Parent-implemented autism interventions are considered empirically validated interventions and the use of telepractice in these interventions is reported as effective. However, little is known about the social validity assessments and outcomes of these interventions. The purpose of this review is to explore the current practices of conducting social validity assessment and reporting its outcomes within parent-implemented telepractice autism interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: The 11 reviewed studies included caregivers as participants, telepractice intervention focusing on social communication outcomes of young autistic children, and were published in a peer-reviewed journal within the past five years. SUMMARY: The researchers in the reviewed articles reported positive outcomes for parent-implemented telepractice autism interventions. Notably, however, information about social validity assessments of the interventions was limited. Researchers are encouraged to evaluate the social validity of interventions using multiple data sources and methods, and report on their findings as they relate to other types of data.