Online Parent Training: A Pilot Programme for Children with Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Bangladesh

Authors

  • Valerie Karr School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • Callie Brusegaard School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • Kamrun Nahar Koly Initiative for Non-Communicable Diseases, HSPSD, icddr b, Dhaka
  • Ashley van Edema School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • Aliya Naheed Initiative for Non-Communicable Diseases, HSPSD, icddr b, Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v28i3.616

Keywords:

Distance learning, disability, community-based training, development

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the implementation of an online parent training programme in Bangladesh, designed to enhance parental knowledge of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders and related interventions. In addition, study participants were expected to become “Master Trainers” with the intention of training other parents in their local communities.

Method: This survey study assessed parental knowledge and programme effectiveness, such as potential online learning barriers, cultural sensitivities, and general course content feedback after each unit.

Results: The programme had an 81% completion rate (with parents completing all but one unit) with an average programme knowledge score of 86%. Parents felt that the course content was moderately difficult, the length of the units was appropriate, and the units were culturally sensitive. They requested more detailed lessons, specific case studies, and adaptation of the curriculum for older children.

Conclusion: The pilot programme merits the next phase of development, which includes local adaptation and translation. However, the findings are limited by the small sample size.

Author Biographies

Valerie Karr, School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Valerie Karr, PhD, is an expert in the field of disability rights and international development, with a track record of effective rights-based advocacy internationally. Dr. Karr currently works as an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. Past projects include co-editing of Crisis, Conflict, and Disability: Ensuring Equality, authoring UNICEF's human rights education manual for youth with disabilities based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, co-authorship of Human Rights. YES!, and the development of human rights education curricula for person with disabilities. 

Callie Brusegaard, School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Callie Brusegaard, MS is a PhD candidate in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development at UMASS Boston. She has a strong evidenced-based teaching background in special education for a diverse population of students who are blind and visually impaired.  In addition, her international experience includes research and program development in developing countries for those with disabilities. Callie is a contributing author to Foundations of Education: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments Volume II (in press). 

Ashley van Edema, School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Ashley van Edema, MS holds a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership and is a PhD candidate in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development at UMASS Boston. In addition to her research in inclusive development, she also contributes her expertise to projects centered around leadership development and capacity building in local and international settings. Coates has spent the last 12 years working with individuals with disabilities and their families and provides consulting services in diversity and inclusion for communities and organizations.

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Published

2017-11-27

How to Cite

1.
Karr V, Brusegaard C, Koly KN, van Edema A, Naheed A. Online Parent Training: A Pilot Programme for Children with Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Bangladesh. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2017 Nov. 27 [cited 2024 May 14];28(3):56-70. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/268

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 3 (2017): Autumn 2017

Section

Original Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2017 The Author(s)

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