This study highlights the critical role of therapist coaching in parent-mediated interventions delivered via telehealth. To maximize outcomes, clinicians should focus on strategies that promote consistent parent engagement and high fidelity to intervention techniques.

• 🔑 Coaching Is Key to Parent Learning: Parents learn most effectively when guided by a coach who tailors support to their needs. Whether in individual or group formats, coaching should be central to every intervention. Prioritize individualized sessions to reinforce strategies, build confidence, and promote fidelity—especially as techniques grow more complex.
• 📱 Address Practical and Technological Barriers: Support families by offering flexible scheduling, mobile-friendly formats, and integration into daily routines. Ensure access by providing initial help with tech and home setup.
• 🎥 Encourage Parent Video Reflection: Ask parents to share videos of their practice between sessions to enable targeted coaching and support continuous learning.
• 🎓 Use Alternative Modeling Strategies to Support Instruction: In virtual formats where live modeling with the child may not be possible, compensate with detailed verbal explanations, role play with the parent, and frequent invitations for questions. Enhance learning by screensharing instructional materials such as the parent manual, annotated slides, and video examples.
• 💻 Use Technology to Reinforce Learning Between Sessions: Leverage asynchronous tools—such as video sharing, chat threads, and feedback forms—to sustain progress outside live coaching. These platforms can support booster training, allow parents to reflect on and review strategies, and receive individualized feedback on their practice videos.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Use Video Conferencing Features to Facilitate Group Interactions During Sessions: When interventions are delivered in a group format, use built-in platform tools like breakout rooms for small group coaching, whiteboards for collaborative exercises, and chat functions to encourage questions and peer engagement in real time. These interactive features help replicate group dynamics that foster shared learning and peer support.
• 🔀 Offer Flexible Formats to Meet Family Needs: Support diverse preferences by offering telehealth-only or hybrid models that blend in-person instruction with remote coaching.

Answer: Focus on helping parents identify natural opportunities within their daily routines. Encourage small, manageable practice goals. Use a collaborative problem-solving approach to address challenges, and celebrate even small successes to build parent confidence and reinforce continued effort. Consider providing visual aids or checklists for home practice.

While therapist-assisted coaching is highly effective, self-directed programs can increase access. For self-directed models, consider incorporating additional supports like more frequent check-ins, automated reminders, or peer support groups to improve completion rates and sustained engagement.