Piloting an E-Learning Applied Behavior Analysis Course for Caregivers of Children with Autism in the Czech Republic.

The telehealth model can allow for cost-effective supports in areas where limited applied behavior analysis (ABA) services are available. As a result, e-learning programs for parents of children with autism have become part of the telehealth paradigm. In the Czech Republic, one of the many places where there are limited ABA supports and no available ABA e-learning courses for families, the development of an e-learning course that is freely available, and linguistically and culturally appropriate, is needed. It was anticipated that this course could mirror some of the free e-learning materials available to English-speaking caregivers and provide foundational knowledge to later support more intensive ABA services. Therefore, a pilot study was developed to assess an ABA e-learning course for caregivers in the Czech Republic with the aim of validating its efficacy and assessing whether a synchronous component was needed for the best outcomes. The materials were not meant to replace best practices in more intensive caregiver training but provide foundational skills for later more successful local services. Results demonstrated that a total of 33 caregivers completed the course, making statistically significant gains in their ABA knowledge and rating the course highly. Interestingly, the addition of the synchronous component only impacted the knowledge gain outcome. Suggestions for supporting caregivers in e-learning course completion and directions for future research are additionally explored.

[Secondary symptoms of disability in international studies]. / Sekundární príznaky zdravotního postizení v mezinárodních studiích.

The overview study deals with the secondary conditions in individuals with disability. In the framework of the overview study 24 researches (1984-2016) were analyzed. According to the researches, individuals with disabilities are exposed to several secondary conditions such as obesity, pressure sores, metabolic imbalance, pain, fatigue, depression and others. Secondary conditions have been observed mainly in individuals with physical disability. The most frequently used research approach was a quantitative research strategy based on the form of a questionnaire. The range of research sample differs among selected studies. Smallest research sample consisted of 71 respondents, the largest of 3076 respondents. Secondary symptoms of disability may be perceived as less serious problems, however their presence and cumulation can significantly decrease the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Examining the perceptions of needs, services and abilities of Czech and North Macedonian caregivers of children with autism and trainers.

Effective practices for supporting families with autistic children ensure a match between their needs and the expectations and competencies of the clinician. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) services are a common provision for serving autistic individuals. However, in regions where ABA is in its infancy, like the Czech Republic and North Macedonia, culturally relevant resources, regulations for practice, and standardized coursework are missing. In their absence, it is necessary to investigate the degree to which practitioners in the regions are meeting the behavioral needs of families. Assessing this match can set the stage for establishing more stable and effective services in the areas, as well as neighboring countries with similar historical foundations. Therefore, a survey was conducted to examine the perceptions of caregivers and trainers (those who self-identified as providing support to families with autistic children). A total of 233 caregivers and 204 trainers participated. Analysis of the survey responses verified the lack of behavioral knowledge on the part of the trainers, the apparent lack of access to ABA services for families in both regions, a potential misalignment between family needs and training targets, and the disparities between the two countries. The information evaluated here can be used to guide preservice training, dissemination efforts, and regulations surrounding behavioral practices.

Looking at Europe's recent behavioral telehealth practices for children and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities.

There is a widespread lack of behavioral professionals available to support children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities. As a result of limited availability, services that can be provided from a distance have developed. Telehealth is a modality that can increase access to services, lessen financial constraints, and support assessments of generalization. Using either synchronous or asynchronous components it can foster evaluation and coaching. Guidelines for usage have surfaced in North America and been integrated into the continent's existing model of behavioral care. However, in Europe where all modalities of behavioral services are fighting to receive funding, frameworks are scarce. Understanding more about telehealth in behavioral care, its various applications throughout Europe, and the local context into which it can be applicable may promote system growth. To support this cause, a scoping review of recent behavioral telehealth practices for children and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities in Europe was undertaken; looking specifically to assess types of studies, their targets and outcomes, telehealth modality components, barriers, and directions for future work. Although few studies surfaced, valuable conclusions can be drawn about the model's empirical validation, creating a groundwork for sustainability, and the need for developing policy and standardized application.

Correction: Professional Development of Behavior Analysts in Europe: A Snapshot for 21 Countries.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s40617-022-00754-0.].

Professional Development of Behavior Analysts in Europe: A Snapshot for 21 Countries.

Behavior analysts are not recognized or regulated as a distinct profession in Europe. For the most part, European behavior analysts adhered to the standards set by the U.S.-based Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, the BACB certification has not been recognized officially in any European jurisdiction. The recent decision by the BACB to discontinue eligibility of non-U.S. residents to apply for the BCBA exam by the end of 2022 has brought the issue of professional regulation outside of the United States into sharp focus. This article offers a snapshot in time of professional recognition of behavior analysts in 21 European countries. It stems from the Erasmus+ funded EuroBA project and its Professional Advisory Group (PAG). The EuroBA project aims to develop common standards and competences for behavior analysts to facilitate national regulation and mutual recognition across Europe.