Program evaluation of an early intervention outreach program for toddlers with autism:

This dissertation focuses on the process involved in the formulation and implementation of a program evaluation plan in relation to a University-based early intervention outreach program for toddlers with autism. In addition, results from the initial application of this program evaluation plan are reported and discussed. The framework which was used to guide this approach to program evaluation was Maher’s Program Planning and Evaluation Framework (Maher 2000). The program on which the evaluation occurred provides a range of early intervention services for toddlers and their families using the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The kind of program evaluation reflected in this dissertation, specifically in relation to the type of early intervention outreach program, is important because although there is encouraging evidence suggesting the value of both early intervention and the use of ABA principles for children with autism, very few reports have described how to design and conduct a systematic program evaluation that would provide information for continued programmatic development and improvement. As part of the dissertation, the program evaluation consultant established a professional relationship with the director of the program. In conjunction with the director, the consultant proceeded to delineate the kind of information that the director could use to further develop and improve the program. Subsequently, the program evaluation consultant and the program director determined specific program evaluation questions to which program evaluation protocols were linked and placed into a completed program evaluation plan. The program evaluation plan was then implemented and a program evaluation report was provided to the director and reviewed with that individual by the consultant. Finally, an evaluation of the program evaluation process itself was undertaken. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for both the development and improvement of early intervention outreach programs for toddlers with autism as well as recommendations for further implementation of this kind of program evaluation approach with early intervention outreach and related types of programs.Psy.DIncludes bibliographical references (p. 103-106)by Stephanie A. Le