Parent-Mediated Behavioural Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit deficits in social interaction and communication, show repetitive behaviours, and have restricted interests. They are at high risk of developing challenging behaviours, which can hinder social relationships, academic achievement, language skills, overall adaptive development, and also increase the risk of abuse in educational settings. This scoping review addresses the limited focus on parent-mediated behavioural intervention (PMBI) for managing challenging behaviours in children with ASD. Using the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework, we retrieved articles published between 2011 and 2022 from SCOPUS, ERIC, and SAGE Publications. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Five themes emerged from the review regarding parents adopting PMBI: (1) performing functional behaviour analysis and developing behaviour intervention plans; (2) applying modification strategies and techniques of antecedent, behaviours and consequence; (3) establishing parent-child secure attachment relationship with child’s lead, positive and natural reinforcement; (4) decreasing child’s challenging behaviours; (5) improving child’s compliance, social responsiveness, and prosocial behaviours. The findings highlight parents as primary intervention agent, emphasising the importance of parental involvement in supporting their child’s development. This review suggests developing cost-effective parent education training programmes to support PMBI as part of comprehensive interventions for children with ASD.