Parent Training Interventions for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background. Now that early identification of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is possible, efforts are being made to develop interventions for children under three years of age. Most studies on early intervention have focused on intensive and individual interventions. However, parent training interventions that help parents interact and communicate with their toddlers with ASD might be a good alternative to promote the development of their child's sociocommunicative skills. Objective. This review aims to systematically examine (1) the use of parent training interventions for children with ASD under three years of age and (2) their effects on children's development, parents' well-being and parent-child interactions. Methods. Systematic searches were conducted to retrieve studies in which at least one parent was trained to implement ASD-specific techniques with their toddlers (0–36 months old) with a diagnosis of or suspected ASD. Results. Fifteen studies, involving 484 children (mean age: 23.26 months), were included in this review. Only two of them met criteria for conclusive evidence. Results show that parents were able to implement newly learned strategies and were generally very satisfied with parent training programs. However, findings pertaining to the children's communication and socioemotional skills, parent-child interactions, and parental well-being were inconclusive.

Parent Training in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What’s in a Name?

“…Interventions that involve some form of parent training can be further characterized by considering the program’s format, intensity, location, duration, and target age (Beauodoin, Sebire, & Couture, 2014; Oono, Honey & McConachie, 2013; Schultz, Schmide & Stichter, 2011; Steiner et al, 2012). Format refers to how information is presented to the parent.…”

“…We will present a purposive sampling of the literature to illustrate the range of characteristics in parent training interventions in ASD as well as a summary of available empirical support across the four main categories. For more comprehensive reviews of available PT programs see (Beaudoin, Sebire & Couture, 2014; Oono, Honey & McConachie, 2013; Schultz, Schmidt & Stichter, 2011). …”

“…The terms: “parent training” and “autism” identify articles where authors use labels such as “ parent training ” (Aman et al, 2009; Bearss et al, 2013b; Beaudoin, Sebire & Couture, 2014; Coolican, Smith, & Bryson, 2010; Drew et al, 2002; Ingersoll & Dvortcsak, 2006; Matson, Mahan, & Matson, 2009; Oosterling et al, 2010; Solomon, Necheles, Ferch, & Bruckman, 2007), “ parent education ” (Schultz, Schmidt & Stichter, 2011; Stahmer & Gist, 2001; Steiner, et al, 2012; Symon, 2001), “ parent-implemented ” (Ingersoll & Gergans, 2007; McConachie & Diggle, 2007; Nunes & Hanline, 2007; Reagon & Higbee, 2009; Tarbox, Schiff, & Najdowski, 2010), “ parent-mediated ” (Diggle, McConachie, & Randle, 2003; Green et al, 2020; Ingersoll & Wainer, 2013; Oono, Honey, & McConahie, 2013; Schertz & Odom, 2007; Siller, Hutman, & Sigman, 2013), and “ caregiver-mediated” (Kasari et al, 2010; Kasari et al, 2014). These programs represent a stunning range of intervention formats and treatment targets, including language skills, social skills, psychoeducation, and treatment of disruptive behaviors.…”

Efficacy of early interventions for infants and young children with, and at risk for, autism spectrum disorders

“…Beaudoin, Sébire, & Couture, 2014; Eldevik et al, 2010; Hampton & Kaiser, 2016; Lane, Lieberman-Betz, & Gast, 2016; Reichow, 2012; Virués-Ortega, 2010), although effects are greater for some children than others (Sallows & Graupner, 2005). EI is designed to capitalize on experience-dependent neuroplasticity, a fundamental property of the brain, by which neuronal connections are created and organized, and learning occurs in response to a child’s experiences with the environment (Kolb & Gibb, 2011).…”

Trends, Theories, and Treatments for Autism

“…A systematic review of 15 studies involving 484 children (mean age: 23 months) showed that parents were able to implement newly learned strategies and were generally satisfied with such programs; however, findings pertaining to improvements in the children's communication and social skills were inconclusive. 28 A systematic review of nine studies of infants under 24 months of age with, or at risk for, ASD concluded that very early interventions are feasible and effective. 29 Parents reported infant gains in social-communication and developmental skills.A pilot study suggested that ASD can be identified and treated in the first year of life.…”