Effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P group parenting program in reducing comorbid behavioral problems in children with autism

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders often exhibit comorbid behavioral problems. These problems have an impact on the severity of the core symptoms, the progression of the disorder as well as on the families’ quality of life. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P group parent training program as a supplementary intervention in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, we employed a single group repeated measures design and assessed child variables via parents’ and teachers’ judgments at four successive time points. The participants were parents of 24 children with autism spectrum disorder aged between 3.6 and 12 years. We found a significant reduction of comorbid behavioral problems in the children, primarily in the parents’ judgment at follow-up. Furthermore, a reduction of the autism spectrum disorder core symptoms emerged. The teachers’ judgment particularly revealed an improvement in children’s social relationships. Effect sizes were large ( ƞ2 ranging from 0.14 to 0.23). The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P as a supplementary intervention for reducing comorbid behavioral problems in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. Higher parental self-efficacy and parental attributions, including parents’ ability to influence child problem behaviors, are discussed as important factors for the effectiveness of Stepping Stones Triple P.

ESCAP practice guidance for autism: a summary of evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

“…The intervention has been found to be helpful for parents of children with many different types of problems as well as those with autism. [ 126 ]. A manualized treatment approach, developed in Germany, applied low-intensity training of parental synchrony and child’s reciprocity and obtained improvement in social communication as well as developmental progress by implementing natural-learning paradigms [ 127 ].…”

Systematic Review on Impact of Training Programs on Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Kasperzack [19] used a single group design to evaluate Triple P, a parent training program by Stepping stones. Shuang Liang [20] studied the effects of improving parent outcomes through psychological counseling and skill training.…”

Parent-Led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions. A Pilot Study

“…Findings in the current study also indicated that child behavioural difficulties did not significantly decrease during the entirety of the treatment. This is somewhat surprising as there is strong evidence suggesting that behavioural training programs are effective in reducing child externalizing behaviours (Kasperzack et al, 2020 ; Ruane et al, 2019 ). The From Timid to Tiger programme uses a range of evidence-based behavioural management strategies that mirror those used in other treatment protocols.…”

“…In addition, children with ASD present with varying levels of speech difficulties and their ability to engage in talk therapy may be reduced. Parent-led approaches may also be effective in targeting other difficulties such as child behavioural difficulties (Kasperzack et al, 2020 ) as well as empowering parents’ ability to help generalise treatment strategies, and helping address parental behaviours that may act as maintaining factors (Creswell et al, 2019 ).…”