Considerations and implications for delivering a verbal behaviour curriculum via online learning modalities for practitioners working with autism spectrum disorders

As a result, there is a considerable demand to explore alternative delivery models that might provide more accessible training in a cost and time-effective way. The most commonly used models are online training and telehealth. Online training uses computer technologies to service trainees through an internet connection in synchronise and asynchronous way.

Telehealth is the method of providing training through video conferencing (synchronously) software to practitioners across all around the world. These online training modalities might reduce challenges that practitioners face because of time limitations and being located in different cities even continents. The current thesis inspected online training technologies to deliver the VB-based communication training for practitioners effectively and efficiently and it compared an asynchronous VB learning platform and telehealth model to show the differences between those two modalities.

The thesis procedures started with a systematic literature review guided to examine the current literature utilising ABA-based online training for practitioners to provide the current picture in the ABA field. The huge gap has found between literature and the online ABA-based training, and the results led the researcher to the second study. The second study employed online training to deliver the VB-based communication training for practitioners with 40 participants in two experimental and control groups.

Afterwards, the third study was conducted to show whether there are any differences or superior between these two online modalities. Each participant took part in both studies during the thesis have made a contribution to the existing literature on the use of asynchronous online training and telehealth strategies to deliver verbal behaviour approach to individuals with ASD. Implications of both online methods are reported including the feasibility and acceptability of using online modalities in terms of clinical and research settings.

Recommendations for researchers pursuing to employ the asynchronous online platforms and telehealth method and future research interest are considered.<br>