Utilizing Telehealth to Coach Parents to Implement Trial-Based Functional Analysis and Treatment
Parents can run a trial-based FA and FCT at home when you coach them through a screen.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Three mothers of autistic kids learned to run a trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) in their living rooms.
A BCBA coached them over Zoom. She showed how to set up 5-minute test and control trials.
After the FA, moms also learned functional communication training (FCT) during the same video calls.
What they found
All three moms ran the TBFA correctly. The data matched later clinic results.
Challenging behavior dropped and communication rose for every child.
No one had to drive to a clinic.
How this fits with other research
Spackman et al. (2025) repeated the idea with the families and saw a large share behavior reduction. They swapped trial-based for a progressive FA, but telehealth coaching stayed the same.
Schieltz et al. (2022) tested telehealth FA+FCT with the families around the world one year earlier. Their big sample foreshadowed these single-case results.
Perry et al. (2024) did the same parent-mediated FA+FCT, yet met families in person. Kids still improved, showing the model works with or without a screen.
Why it matters
You can teach parents to do a full FA and FCT without leaving your office. This opens services to rural families, sick kids, or long wait-lists. Start with a short Zoom tutorial, share a data sheet, and watch five-minute trials live. If three moms can master it, your families probably can too.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) offers several advantages in natural settings, such as time efficiency and ecological validity. Previous studies have successfully trained or coached a variety of professionals and parents to conduct a TBFA utilizing in-person training procedures; however, no study has evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth coach or train others to implement a TBFA. Utilizing telehealth coaching, we coached three mothers of children with autism to conduct a TBFA in their home. The TBFA identified consequences maintaining challenging behavior for all three participants. Based on the results of the TBFA, we developed a functional communication training (FCT) intervention. Experimenters coached the mothers to implement the FCT intervention in their home. All interventions resulted in decreased challenging behavior and increased communication. The results suggest parents are capable of conducting a valid TBFA with telehealth coaching and support.
Journal of Behavioral Education, 2023 · doi:10.1007/s10864-022-09468-3