Integrated life skill training and executive function strategies in children with autism spectrum disorder in Qatar: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Executive function (EF) impairment is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF strategies are considered effective in improving therapeutic outcomes of children with ASD. This study primarily aims to explore whether integrating EF strategies combined with regular occupational therapy intervention is more effective in improving daily life skills (DLS) and sensory integration/processing (SI/SP) skillsthan regular occupational therapy alone in children with ASD and secondarily aimsto assess treatment outcomes on improving visual motor integration (VMI) skills. Methods: A total of 92 children with ASD will be recruited and following baseline assessments randomly assigned to the treatment group (45-min once weekly individual occupational therapy plus EF strategies) and control group (45-min once weekly individual therapy sessions alone). Discussion: All children will be evaluated systematically by assessing SI/SP, DLS, and VMI, skills at baseline, 7 weeks, and 14 weeks of treatment. Data will be analyzed using analysis of covariance and t-test. This single-blind randomized controlled trial will provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of EF strategies when combined with regular occupational therapy programs. Based on trial results, EF strategies could be recommended in multidisciplinary programs for children with ASD. Clinical trial registration: This trial has been registered on the clinicaltrail.gov for registry, protocol ID: MRC-01-22-509 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05829577, registered April 25, 2023.