Collateral Effects of the Tell Me MORE! Intervention on the Joint Reminiscing of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders
• Main Authors: Bhana Lopez, Naima, Raulston, Tracy J., Gilhuber, Christina S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 26.09.2023
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06103-6

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to analyze secondary data from three mother-child dyads in order to evaluate how family photographs and training in naturalistic strategies affected the way mothers reminisce with their children with autism spectrum disorders. METHODA secondary analysis (i.e., collateral effects) of a single-case dataset was conducted to assess the impact of family photographs and training in naturalistic strategies on the selected variables. RESULTSThe introduction of family photographs showed positive effects on the mother's reminiscing style and the child's memory responses across all dyads. Furthermore, additional improvements were observed in these areas after training and coaching in the target strategies. CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the positive impact of using family photographs and naturalistic based strategies in joint-reminiscing conversations for mothers and children with autism spectrum disorder. The intervention improved the mothers reminiscing style and child's memory responses, highlighting the potential value of parent-implemented interventions, especially those based on naturalistic strategies, in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers.