Parent-implemented interventions in Chinese families of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

This study aims to test the effects of the parent-implemented interventions (PIIs) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to explore the effects of PIIs on the family quality of life of families of children with ASD in China. This study adopted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design based on PIIs. Participants is divided into intervention group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 35.69 ± 3.45; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.49 ± 2.74) and control group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 36.06 ± 4.28; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.71 ± 3.25); parents in intervention group were trained with PIIs and required to implement family interventions for their children with ASD as they learned. This study will provide data to support the development and improvement of PIIs, and will also benefit the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families. Compared to control group, the children in intervention group had a significant improvement in social communication ability (p < 0.05), and the families in intervention group had a significant enhancing in family quality of life (satisfaction) (p < 0.001). This study found that PIIs are effective in enhancing the social communication ability of children with ASD in China and the family quality of life (satisfaction) of their families. PIIs is a good and cost-effective complement to rehabilitation training in professional institutions, and have positive significance for the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families.