Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Dec 23, 2025
Date Accepted: May 20, 2026
FULLY VIRTUAL, FOCUSED APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS SERVICES: AN ACCEPTABILITY AND FEASIBILITY STUDY
ABSTRACT
Background:
Traditional models of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for those diagnosed with ASD involve time intensive, labor intensive, comprehensive, in-person services. The increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States has precipitated an even greater need to maintain effective, accessible, and innovative methods to address the needs of those with ASD.
Objective:
The present study examines the outcomes produces by a technology-enabled targeted model of service delivery on participant outcomes as measured through change in the Vineland-3 and CFQL-2 assessment scores.
Methods:
A sample of 504 participants were selected from a group of individuals who received targeted technology-enabled services. The outcomes obtained through the service model were measured by evaluating the standard scores, standard score changes, and the Minimally Clinically Important Differences (MCIDs) achieved through two specific progress monitoring tools: the Vineland-3 and the CFQL-2 as well as a caregiver survey. Additionally, variables that may influence changes in scores over time including, age at the onset of therapy, severity level of diagnosis, gender, therapy funding source, type of services received, and hours of services rendered were also examined.
Results:
The most significant improvements were observed in the Communication and Socialization domains; however more than 80% of participants exhibited at least a 1-point improvement in one or more adaptive behavior domains and 29% improved across all adaptive behavior domains. Thirty-eight percent of the participants showed improvement in the Internalizing domain and 34% showed improvement in the Externalizing domain. Furthermore, over 75% of participants met Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) thresholds in at least one domain as well.
Conclusions:
The results clearly point to the potential clinical utility of this technology enabled service model as a means of addressing targeted skill acquisition and behavior reduction. The technology-enabled model produced measurable improvements in adaptive functioning and quality of life, while also reducing maladaptive behavior for many participants. The results also revealed important considerations for caregiver experience and provide direction for intervention development and implementation. Clinical Trial: n/a
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