Core Components

The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme is a standalone group-based prevention programme for parents of children aged 2–5 on the autism spectrum and/or with language delays. Using the principles of the Incredible Years Parent programmes, this programme uses examples tailored to the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum and with Language Delay.

This programme, delivered in over 14-16 weekly 2-hour sessions, is clearly operationalised with a comprehensive structured Leaders Manual in which the content of each session is fully described (session protocols) supported by 8 DVDs, weekly home assignments and handouts and a parent book. The IY teaching methods of the sessions are collaborative and parent goal directed and include strategies such as: (1) video modelling (2) group discussion, problem solving and support (3) role play practice activities within sessions (4) home practice activities with children (5) parent buddy calls and (6) reading assignments. Parenting strategies and practices are tailored for use by parents according to the individual child’s language and developmental level.
Delivery of the programme requires two trained leaders and focuses on 8 core topics (1) Child-Directed Narrated Play Promotes Positive Relationships (2) Pre-Academic and Persistence Coaching Promotes Language Development and School Readiness (3) Social Coaching Promotes Friendship Skills (4) Emotion Coaching Promotes Emotional Literacy (5) Pretend Play Promotes Empathy and Social Skills (6) Promoting Children’s Self-Regulation Skills (7) Using Praise and Rewards to Motivate Children (8) Limit Setting and Behaviour Management.

Fidelity

Incredible Years® provides a fidelity of implementation’ framework for sites. The steps required to effectively replicate the programme and achieve good outcomes include use of (1) standardised intervention materials; (2) parent training by accredited group leaders; (3) weekly session protocols and participant evaluations; (4) ongoing group leader supervision, consultation and support by IY coaches or mentors; (5) fidelity monitoring using evidence-based measures and final summative evaluations and (6) agency organisational supports.

Modifiable Components

This programme is a modified version of the Preschool Basic Incredible Years® Parenting Programme. Additional video vignettes can be used from the Basic programme, if parents need further help on behaviour management. Group Leader can increase the number of sessions and adjust the pacing of discussion to meet the needs of their group.

It is recommended that group leaders offer home visits as needed to provide parents with individualized coaching and support with their children.

Support for Organisation / Practice

Incredible Years® Inc. is based in Seattle and offers a series of inter-locking evidence-based programmes targeting parents, teachers and children. The Incredible Years® (IY) Parent and Babies Programme is one of a suite of IY parenting programmes and teacher programmes.

Implementation Support

Incredible Years® Inc. offers new sites/agencies considering use of any of the IY programmes a consultation to answer questions and to discuss suitability of the selected programme for the intended population and implementation goals and needs. During this consultation, guidance relating to the importance of local data collection (baseline and follow-up), selecting the correct group leaders fit and, understanding the level of commitment and involvement needed to deliver the programme effectively is covered. Ongoing consultation or support is available at a cost of $210 per hour.

Incredible Years® Inc. provides agencies with a range of materials to support organisational readiness. These materials include an Administrator Packet & Brand License guide and agreement, an Agency Readiness Questionnaire, Administrator Implementation Pyramid, Fidelity Checklists, Cost Planning Spreadsheet and Evaluation questionnaires.

Licence Requirements

There is no licensing requirement to deliver the Incredible Years® Programmes. However, a Brand License Agreement is needed for use of IY materials on web sites.

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs include an upfront one-off purchase of the Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme priced at $1000.00 which includes 8 DVDs, Leader’s Manual, Incredible Toddlers parent book and Incredible Years Troubleshooting Guide, Tiny Turtle Puppet, Attention Spotlight Magnet, Attention Spotlight poster and Feeling Face cards. Additional Leader’s Manuals are available for purchase costing $90.00 plus shipping costs.

Experts in Action DVDs for Group Leaders using Autism Programmes are available as supplementary materials at an additional cost of $345.

Agencies will also need to budget for the cost of the toddler or preschool parent book for each group leader and all parents who attend training. Cost for one book is $19.95 for Toddler book or $24.95 for parent book for ages 3-8 (bulk purchase discounts available).

Group leader training held over 3 days in Seattle is a requirement costing $690 per person. Alternatively, training can also be hosted at the agency site for a cohort of between 15-25 participants with onsite trainer fees of $1730-2100 per day (plus travel, food and lodging costs). Consultation by phone or in person post training for new groups leaders is recommended and is available at $210 per hour.

Building Staff Competency

Qualifications Required

IY recommend group leaders require a Masters degree as a minimum or a professional diploma in an appropriate field such as psychology, social work, education, nursing and psychiatry. Group leaders also need to be knowledgeable and experienced in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ideally trained in the IY Basic Parent Program first.

Training Requirements

Group leader training is a requirement and is a 3-day training course delivered in Seattle led by certified/accredited mentors or the UK. Completion of the IY BASIC program and experience is highly recommended. Agencies can also purchase training for delivery onsite to a cohort of 15-25 participants.

Supervision Requirements

Consultation and coaching of leaders is highly recommended by Incredible Years® Inc. although not a requirement. The process includes weekly peer review and self-evaluation of videotapes utilising process checklists, review of videotape feedback by an IY mentor, review of participant weekly evaluations, onsite consultations once or twice per year with an IY trainer and monthly telephone consultations. The cost of consultations with IY mentors or trainers is $210 per hour.

Accreditation of group leaders is highly recommended to promote assurance of fidelity program delivery although not a requirement unless the programme is being used as part of a research project. This process involves attending a 2-3 day workshop and passing a video review of a session and submission of an application packet that includes weekly parent evaluations and session protocols for two groups. The cost of becoming accredited is $600 which includes detailed video reviews (up to 2) and a supervisory report. If additional video reviews are required, these are available at $105 per hour. Highly competent accredited group leaders may be identified for additional training to become an IY Peer Coach in this programme to support new group leaders (which incurs additional costs).

Theory of Change

The Incredible Years® Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme is guided by cognitive social learning theory, modelling, attachment, development theories and research. By tailoring these general principles, to the specific needs of an ASD and Language Delayed population, the programme aims to promote positive social behaviour and language development. Successful communication, both verbal and non-verbal (pictorial) is viewed as being core to promoting self-regulation. Additional emphasis is placed on understanding the function of any behaviour, in the context of the child’s developmental profile, and what the child finds motivating.

Values

The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme promotes positive relationship building strategies to enable parents to develop nurturing relationships with their children helping them to develop socially and emotionally, to increase self-regulation skills and to reduce behaviour problems. 

• Does promoting positive and nurturing relationships between parents and children on the autism spectrum or with language delays align with the key values of your service/organisation?

The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme seeks to help parents reduce their stress by developing positive support networks among parents with children with ASD. 

• Does promoting support networks for these parents align with your values for this population and your organization?

Priorities

The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme has been developed as an intervention strategy targeting parents of children aged 2-5 years on the autism spectrum.  The programme prioritises the development of positive relationships, educating parents to help them gain a greater understanding of the Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmentally appropriate expectations and to manage behaviour problems.

Working with parents with children aged 2–5 years on the autism spectrum or with language delays in an intervention approach to help build positive relationships, greater understanding of the autism spectrum disorder and to help better manage behaviour problems:

• Is this a current priority for your organisation?

Existing Initiatives 

• Does your service already provide prevention programmes aiming to improve child development and mental health outcomes?
• Does your area have practitioners trained in delivering the Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme?
• Do you have links with CAMHS, Adult Mental Health Services and Child Protection Services to refer onto if required?

Workforce

To deliver the Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme requires 2 trained leaders (training duration is 3 days) for 1 session per week for 14-16 weeks of the group including booster sessions.  Additionally, leaders will require additional time for preparation, phone calls and potentially home coaching visits. 

• Do you have enough qualified practitioners available to commit to undertake training?
• Do you have enough qualified practitioners available to commit to delivering the full extent of this programme?

Technology Support

To implement the Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays programme from a technology perspective requires a TV monitor and DVD equipment or computer equipment.

• Do you have access to adequate technology to support practitioners to effectively deliver the technological components of the programme?

Administrative Support

Administrative support is required to recruit parents, receive referrals, collect and report on evaluation data and feedback, print of materials along with co-ordinating and booking of venues, hospitality, transport and childcare.

• Do you have enough administrative capacity and systems to meet these administrative needs?
• Do you have access to facilities to host the parent group?

Financial Support

Start-up costs include purchase of the programme at $1000; and training for two practitioners ($690 pp in Seattle; or as part of a 15-25 person cohort on site $1730-2100, plus travel and subsistence). Post training consultation is available at $210 per hour. If group leaders apply to become certified/accredited additional funding is required.

• Do you have the finances to pay for practitioners to attend the training & any additional costs for participant text and manuals, consultations, coaching, mentoring & accreditation?

Ongoing costs include purchase of materials ($19.95 per parent for the toddler book, or $24.95 for parent book for ages 3-8) and the provision of a venue, hospitality, transport and childcare to deliver the programme. 

• Are you able to fund the recurring group delivery costs?

Comparable Population 

The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme is designed as a programme for all parents with children on the autism spectrum or with language delays. 

• Is this comparable to the population you serve?
• Does your organisation have existing contacts with parents in this population?
• Are you likely to receive enough referrals for eligible families to populate a recurring programme of Incredible Years® Autism Spectrum and Language Delays groups?

Desired Outcome

Incredible Years® Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Programme is a behaviour-based intervention programme that aims to increase parents’ support systems and positive relationships with their children, understand the Autism Spectrum Disorder and to promote children’s cognitive, emotional social and language learning.

• Are the improvements of parent child relationships, child development, parent and mental health and support priority outcomes for your organisation?
• Do you have other existing initiatives that would be supportive of addressing this need and achieving these outcomes?