Parent- Guided Communication Training with Neurotypical Toddlers of Three Latin American Families

Abstract

Many toddlers are likely to exhibit challenging behavior that caregivers may find stressful or difficult to manage. However, intensive behavioral intervention addressing challenging behavior may be costly and unnecessary if the parents can be taught how to assess and treat everyday challenging behavior in a practical manner. We conducted this study with caregiver implementers of five neurotypical toddlers who exhibited some level of challenging behavior. In addition, the caregivers and the families all identified as Latin Americans. The functional analyses identified a context in need of treatment in around 15 min and the treatment taught the toddlers increasingly complex communication responses that eliminated challenging behavior. In addition, caregivers completed a social validity questionnaire supporting the practical use of the assessment and treatment procedures in their home setting. We discuss the importance of these findings in terms of culturally relevant care.