A randomized controlled trial evaluating a brief parenting program with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Parenting interventions are crucial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Brief, individualized programs offer accessible support for parents.
• Evaluating efficacy in real-world primary care settings is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of Primary Care Stepping Stones Triple P for parents of children with ASD.
• To examine changes in child behavior and parent outcomes post-intervention.
• To determine the maintenance of effects at 6-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 64 parents of children aged 2-9 with ASD.
• Intervention group received Stepping Stones Triple P; control group received care-as-usual.
• Data collected via parent-report questionnaires and home observations at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant short-term improvements in parent-reported child behavior, parenting confidence, and reduced parental stress.
• Effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up.
• No significant changes observed in parental depression, anxiety, or observed child/parent behaviors.

Conclusions:

• A brief, low-intensity Stepping Stones Triple P program is effective for parents of children with ASD.
• The intervention demonstrates positive impacts on key parenting and child behavior metrics.
• The program shows promise for improving family well-being in this population.