Early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders followed by timely research-based intervention is associated with better long-term outcomes such as the improvement of social skills, communication, and increased IQ (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001). Characteristics of children with autism and their families, including limited financial resources and living in a rural area are associated with later identification of ASD, differential levels of service access and utilization (Chen, Liu, Su, & Lin, 2008). The main goal of this study was to contribute to the literature on brief, cost-effective interventions for children with ASD, particularly while meeting the family where they are financially and geographically. The present study investigated whether briefly training a parent of three young children with autism in an evidence-based treatment modality, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), would have positive outcomes on the parent and children given their geographic (rural) and socioeconomic (low-income) constraints. Parental self-efficacy, stress and affect were measured throughout the intervention. The parent's ability to demonstrate PRT techniques with fidelity after the intervention and at a one to three month follow-up was measured. Additionally, this study examined the impact of the training on the child's behavior, affect and functional communication. Lastly, the present research explored how limited financial resources and rural living impacted the fidelity of parent-lead treatment. Analysis indicated positive parent outcomes, such as increased use of PRT techniques, higher level of self-efficacy and a decrease in parental stress. Outcomes among the children were mixed. Multiple themes around the impact of rural and low-income family characteristics emerged during the interviews and are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]