Randomized Study Comparing Two Parenting Programs for Parents of Children Aged 2 to 6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating parenting programs for children aged 2 to 6 years with autism spectrum disorder ASD, a condition that affects social skills and independence. The study compares a specific manualized parent program called Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delay Programme IY-ASLD with a standard treatment as usual TAU program consisting of clinical parent workshops. The goal is to reduce parental stress, improve parenting skills and self-confidence, and enhance quality of life for both parents and children. The study also explores long-term child functioning and health service use. The study involves two groups one receives the IY-ASLD program, which includes 13 weekly 2-hour group sessions with video examples, discussions, and homework to support parents in managing their childs social and communication needs. The other group attends the TAU program, a three-day workshop focusing on communication and daily living challenges. Both programs run during the same semester, with multiple groups conducted across three clinics to recruit enough families for the randomized controlled trial. Participants will be involved for up to 30 months with assessments at 6, 18, and 30 months measuring parental stress using the Parenting Stress Index, child quality of life, parental competence, daily child functioning, and health service use. The study includes qualitative interviews to understand parents experiences and identify which programs work best for different families. Questionnaires and structured evaluations will be used to collect data, ensuring careful monitoring and follow-up throughout the study duration.

Enabling Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders - a Randomized Controlled Trial of Parenting Programs