Disseminating ASD interventions: a pilot study of a distance learning program for parents and professionals.

Matson et al. (2013) built an internet course that taught adults how to run reciprocal imitation training. The adults logged in from home, watched lessons, and practiced with kids who had autism.

The team used a multiple-baseline design. They checked if the adults used the steps correctly and if the children copied more actions after the course.

Adults scored higher on knowledge tests and followed the RIT steps better. The kids also imitated more often during play.

Both parents and professionals improved, showing the web model can reach different adult learners.

Ingersoll et al. (2013) tested the same RIT steps, but in person with teens who had autism plus severe intellectual disability. Their teens also copied more actions, proving the method works across ages and ability levels.

Gerencser et al. (2017) later showed that a self-paced online module can train parents to run photographic schedules with high fidelity. Together these papers build a line of evidence: brief tech training can give parents real skills.

Silva et al. (2025) delivered remote caregiver guidance with simple slides and booklets and still lifted child communication. Their 2025 results update the 2013 pilot by showing that even lighter tech can work, so you can choose the cheapest option that families will actually use.

You no longer need to drive to every home to train parents. A short online course can lift both adult accuracy and child imitation. Try adding a three-module RIT package to your parent-education menu and track imitation during natural play. If internet is spotty, swap the videos for slide decks—later studies show that still works.