Social Validity of a Kindergarten-Readiness Behavoural Intervention for Children with Autism

Social validity assessments measure consumer satisfaction with the goals, procedures, and outcomes of a program. This study aimed to measure the social validity of a modified early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) for 5-year-old children with a
formal autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. We evaluated a pilot program developed by St.Amant called the Pre-Kindergarten Program (PKP). Eight populations were surveyed using six unique questionnaires to measure indirect consumers', immediate community members', and extended community members' satisfaction with the goals, procedures, and outcomes of the PKP. Questionnaires were distributed via email and mail containing a webbrowser link and/or a paper questionnaire. A total of 82 responses across all populations were analyzed for within-group and between-group differences using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations to make recommendations for how Pre-Kindergarten EIBI programs can most effectively meet consumer needs.
The PKP had good social validity overall. Waitlist families and families being served were the most satisfied overall; clinicians outside the program were the least satisfied group. Lack of parental involvement and limited service hours were recurring concerns  mentioned among various populations in open-ended questions. Further research is required to determine the social validity of other EIBI programs and the factors that relate to social validity.