Issues and Theoretical Constructs Regarding Parent Education for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Participation of parents of children with autism is commonplace in most comprehensive intervention programs, yet, there is limited research relating to the best practices in this area. This article provides an overview of parent education programs for young children with autism and details data-driven procedures which are associated with improved parent and child outcomes. In addition, we provide a troubleshooting guide based on the literature for professionals regarding a variety of complex issues which may arise during parent education.

Parent training for parents of children on the autism spectrum: a review

“…Parent education is defined as an educational effort that aims to enhance or facilitate parent behaviors that will influence positive developmental outcomes in their children [17]. The aim is that of teaching skills designed to help parents teach skills to their children, help them emotionally regulate, manage problem behaviors and improve the quality of the parent-child relationship.…”

“…The aim is that of teaching skills designed to help parents teach skills to their children, help them emotionally regulate, manage problem behaviors and improve the quality of the parent-child relationship. It differs from psychoeducation, which aims to teach particular knowledge-based content, as opposed to specific skills [17]. In a meta-analysis of general parent education programs to enhance behavior and adjustment in children under seven years of age, Kaminski et al [18] highlighted that teaching parents specific skills, versus general information alone, was correlated with more positive outcomes.…”

“…In terms of parent education programs for parents of children on the AS, many teaching approaches exist and programs differ in mode of treatment delivery, therapeutic components provided and targeted recipients [17,24,25]. Most parent education programs tend to address core symptom areas of the AS (such as communication and social interaction) or problem behavior although programs can address more specific aspects such as sleep, toilet training and feeding [17].…”

“…Most parent education programs tend to address core symptom areas of the AS (such as communication and social interaction) or problem behavior although programs can address more specific aspects such as sleep, toilet training and feeding [17]. Also, parents can be taught skills that relate to managing their own emotions, cognitions and behaviors and programs that include these counseling components (or focus on counseling aspects entirely) have also been considered to be useful for parents of children on the AS [17].…”

Randomized controlled trial of parental responsiveness intervention for toddlers at high risk for autism

“…Reviews of the few available randomized controlled and single subject design intervention studies concur that parent-mediated models have promise for implementation with young children at high risk for ASD (McConachie & Diggle, 2007;Patterson, Smith, & Miranda, 2012;Steiner, Koegel, Koegel, & Ence, 2012;Wallace & Rogers, 2010). The focus of these interventions on increasing parental responsiveness to children's social communication signals are especially relevant to children with ASD who exhibit early deficiencies in affective sharing and attention to others.…”