Needs Analysis for Developing a Parent-Mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention Training Model for Parents of Autistic Children in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20961/imscs.v3i2.1172Keywords:
Needs analysis, Parent-mediated intervention, Naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention, Autistic children, Early intervention.Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibits diverse developmental and behavioural challenges that require structured and consistent interventions. However, in Malaysia’s low-resource areas, parents of autistic children often face limited access to professional support, high therapy costs, and geographical barriers that impede timely and effective intervention. Recognising parents as primary intervention agents in their autistic children’s learning and development, this study aimed to examine the needs of parents of autistic children to design and develop a Parent-Mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention (NDBI) Training Model. Guided by the Design and Development Research (DDR) approach, Phase I Needs Analysis employed a comprehensive literature review and individual semi-structured qualitative interviews with five parents of autistic children. Thematic analysis findings indicated Theme 1: lack of knowledge and limited access to behavioural intervention; Theme 2: parents as primary intervention agent in low-resource areas; and Theme 3: need for parent education and skills training in behavioural intervention. Therefore, parents showed strong desire for structured education and training. The Parent-Mediated NDBI Training Model provides a structured and dynamic reference framework for parents of autistic children to implement evidence-based developmental and behavioural strategies within natural daily routines at home. The training model holds significant implications for advancing parent education, enhancing early intervention accessibility, and guiding policymakers in promoting equitable autism services across Malaysia’s diverse socio-economic and geographical contexts.
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