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Article
Does Implementing a New Intervention Disrupt Use of Existing Evidence-Based Autism Interventions?
Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice
  • Melanie Pellecchia, University of Pennsylvania
  • Rinad S. Beidas, University of Pennsylvania
  • Gwendolyn Lawson, University of Pennsylvania
  • Nathaniel J. Williams, Boise State University
  • Max Seidman, University of Pennsylvania
  • John R. Kimberly, University of Pennsylvania
  • Carolyn C. Cannuscio, University of Pennsylvania
  • David S. Mandell, University of Pennsylvania
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2020
Disciplines
Abstract

This study examines how the introduction of TeachTown:Basics, a computer-assisted intervention for students with autism spectrum disorder, influenced teachers’ use of other evidence-based practices. In a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 73 teachers nested within 58 schools, we used three-level hierarchical linear models to evaluate changes in teachers’ use of evidence-based practices across the school year for those who received TeachTown:Basics versus those assigned to control. Both groups received training and implementation support to deliver three well-established evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 teachers who used TeachTown:Basics to better understand their experience. Compared with teachers in the control group, teachers in the TeachTown:Basics group reported significantly less growth over the 9-month period in their use of evidence-based practices that require one-to-one instruction (ps < 0.05), but no difference in their reported use of evidence-based practices that do not involve one-to-one instruction (p = 0.637). Qualitative interviews indicated that teachers viewed TeachTown:Basics as an effective substitute for one-to-one instruction because it was less burdensome, despite the lack of support for TeachTown:Basics’ effectiveness. Before introducing new practices, education leaders should carefully consider both evidence of effectiveness and the potential impact on the use of other evidence-based practices.

Citation Information
Melanie Pellecchia, Rinad S. Beidas, Gwendolyn Lawson, Nathaniel J. Williams, et al.. "Does Implementing a New Intervention Disrupt Use of Existing Evidence-Based Autism Interventions?" Autism: The International Journal of Research & Practice (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nathaniel_williams/29/