As described in application; In 2009, the teaching interaction procedure (TIP), was empirically evaluated for individuals diagnosed with ASD indicating the TIP was successful at increasing targeted social skills of all participants. Since then, studies have been evaluating the effectiveness of the TIP for teaching individuals with ASD and shown it to be an effective teaching strategy. In this context, TIPS project aimed to improve life and social skills of children with ASD and their families. Considering how important learning social and life skills from an early age is, we proposed the target group being parents of children with ASD, with the following objectives: *Designing, testing and publish an innovative Educational package for educators guiding and supporting training on parents of children with ASD on how to use digital tools; a digital game and digital comic strips, as tools for social and life skill development of their children. Both digital tools are based on the evidence-based procedure of the TIP. *Delivering training courses to train educators on how to use the digital tools with children with ASD and delivering these courses to parents of children with ASD to amplify and perpetuate the ripple effect.
As described in application, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a public health problem due to the increase in its prevalence in recent decades. According to recent information available from the World Health Organisation, one in 160 children has ASD, with higher rates in some countries like France and Denmark. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions, such as behavioural treatment and parent skills training programs, can reduce difficulties in communication and social behaviour, with a positive impact on well-being and quality of life for children with ASD and their caregivers. In many countries, e.g. Greece and Cyprus, no action prior to this project has been taken to raise awareness and inform parents, the public and health professionals. Prior to the project there were no educational programmes dedicated to the parents of these children, therefor these particular needs are addressed within TIPS project. All partners shared a common interest; improving the trainers’ professional skills and the support parents of children get. By exchanging good practices and ideas, the consortium gained valuable knowledge and experiences, resulting in creating an innovative and comprehensive training package for professionals and parents.