A randomised group comparison controlled trial of 'preschoolers with autism': A parent education and skills training intervention for young children with autistic disorder. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tonge, Bruce; Brereton, Avril; Kiomall, Melissa; Mackinnon, Andrew; Rinehart, Nicole J
• Is Part Of: Autism. Volume 18:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 166
• Page End: 177
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: autism -- autism spectrum disorders -- parent education -- evidence-based -- preschoolers; Autism -- Periodicals; Autism in children -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1177/1362361312458186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-3613

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of parent education on adaptive behaviour, autism symptoms and cognitive/language skills of young children with autistic disorder. Method: A randomised group comparison design involving a parent education and counselling intervention and a parent education and behaviour management intervention to control for parent skills training and a control sample. Two rural and two metropolitan regions were randomly allocated to intervention groups ( n = 70) or control ( n = 35). Parents from autism assessment services in the intervention regions were randomly allocated to parent education and behaviour management ( n = 35) or parent education and counselling ( n = 35). Results: Parent education and behaviour management resulted in significant improvement in adaptive behaviour and autism symptoms at 6 months follow-up for children with greater delays in adaptive behaviour. Parent education and behaviour management was superior to parent education and counselling. We conclude that a 20-week parent education programme including skills training for parents of young children with autistic disorder provides significant improvements in child adaptive behaviour and symptoms of autism for low-functioning children.