Parenting Interventions for Children with Tic Disorders: Professionals' Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Tic disorders significantly impact children's emotional and social well-being, creating a bidirectional relationship with family dynamics.
• Existing research on parenting interventions for tic disorders is notably limited, highlighting a gap in therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of multidisciplinary professionals on the acceptability, effectiveness, feasibility, and utility of parenting interventions for children with tic disorders.

Main Methods:

• Q-methodology was employed to investigate the viewpoints of 25 professionals.
• Data analysis identified three distinct, yet related, factors representing different professional perspectives.

Main Results:

• All identified viewpoints supported a psychological approach and recognized the importance of parenting practices in managing tic disorders.
• Professionals agreed on the theoretical and clinical rationale for parenting interventions but debated specific intervention focuses, potential barriers, and target audiences.
• Multidisciplinary professionals widely endorsed parenting interventions as a valuable therapeutic tool for tic disorders.

Conclusions:

• Parenting interventions are considered a viable therapeutic strategy for tic disorders by healthcare professionals.
• Findings offer insights for refining and implementing effective parenting interventions in clinical practice for tic disorders.