Toward deeper understanding and wide-scale implementation of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions

Abstract

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) have a strong and growing evidence base. Yet, NDBIs are not implemented on a wide scale within early intervention programs for children on the autism spectrum. Potential reasons for the slow adoption of NDBIs likely stem from the differing theoretical orientations of behavioral and developmental sciences from which NDBI are derived, and a lack of training, knowledge, and support for implementing NDBIs within the behavior analytic community. In support of efforts to promote wide-scale implementation of NDBIs, we clarify their common features, discuss possible misconceptions, offer reasons why NDBIs should be widely implemented, and provide recommendations to the autism service community, intervention developers, and researchers to improve their dissemination and implementation. Lay Abstract Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are a group of early interventions that use a variety of strategies from applied behavioral and developmental sciences. Although Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions have been demonstrated effective, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions are not implemented on a wide scale within early intervention programs for children on the autism spectrum. Potential reasons likely stem from differing theoretical orientations of developmental and behavioral sciences and practitioners’ lack training, knowledge, and support for implementing Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions. In support of efforts to promote wide-scale implementation of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, we (1) clarify their common features, (2) discuss possible misconceptions, and (3) offer reasons why Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions should be widely implemented. We also provide recommendations to the autism service community, intervention developers, and researchers.

Implementation of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Strategies: An Examination of Preschool Teachers’ Perceptions

“…Many NDBI strategies align with the knowledge and skills preschool teachers should have to support the development of children with disabilities in their classrooms. NDBIs also closely align with child development learning theories and professional preparation and practice standards in early childhood and early childhood special education (ECSE; D’Agostino et al, 2023). Specifically, the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) recommends preschool teachers embed instruction on a child’s Individualized Education Program objectives into ongoing, naturally occurring classroom routines and activities (DEC, 2014).…”

“…The need to expand implementation of NDBIs across varied service providers working with young children with disabilities and their families has been well documented (Bruinsma et al, 2020;D'Agostino et al, 2023;Schreibman et al, 2015). However, to successfully support the use of NDBI strategies by preschool teachers, it is imperative to continue to conduct research that aims to understand the perspectives of preschool teachers to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of NDBIs.…”

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions as Value-Based and Culturally Adapted EBPs for Autistic Individuals

“…First, increased uptake of NDBIs is needed throughout the clinical community. Regrettably, many behavior interventionists have a limited understanding of NDBIs [88], and community implementation is lacking [89]. Further training is thus needed in how to implement NDBIs effectively.…”

Photographs and Parent Training to Support Conversations about Past Events between Caregivers and Children with Autism

“…Future studies should investigate the different active ingredients of packaged NDBI interventions to determine the most effective components of the intervention and, thus, improve the intervention's efficiency (D'Agostino et al, 2023). Researchers should also investigate the effects of photos and NDBIs on children's recollection of the events, narrative development, affective joint engagement with the parent, and reminiscing.…”