Reducing trauma-related parental stress in neurodevelopmental disorders: a randomized feasibility study

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of the Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) focused on reducing traumatic stress symptoms in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). A process-outcome study was conducted, recruiting parents with children diagnosed with NDDs through the collaboration of NDDs family associations in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. 34 Parents experiencing ongoing traumatic symptoms were randomly assigned to the EMDR group intervention (n = 19) or to the control condition (n = 15). Participants were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires screening psychological traumatic stress symptoms. Qualitative data were collected through a therapeutic process diary filled out by the participants. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, non-parametric analysis, and multiple regression. Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences in traumatic stress symptomatology reduction between the groups, Wilcoxon test showed significant reduction in traumatic stress symptoms over time, and multiple regression data showed that the number of sessions attended predicted the intensity of the traumatic stress symptoms reduction. Qualitative thematic analysis showed that the intervention proved to be feasible and resulted in an increase in positive aspects (e.g., body connection, agency, and pleasant emotions) as the intervention progressed.

The EMDR-IGTP-OTS is a promising intervention for reducing trauma related parental stress symptoms in parents of children with NDDs. Its high feasibility makes it a suitable option for integration into clinical practice to support families facing trauma-related parenting challenges.

• Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders experience high levels of chronic stress and trauma-relatedsymptoms, yet evidence-based psychological interventions specifically targeting caregivers remain limited.

• This pilot randomized feasibility study provides preliminary evidence that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS group protocol is feasible and may reduce trauma-related stress symptoms in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.