A systematic review of the effectiveness and efficacy of clinician-led psychological interventions for parents of children with ASD. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merriman, Kieron; Burke, Tom; O'Reilly, Gary
• Is Part Of: Research in autism spectrum disorders. Volume 76(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Parent -- Mother -- Father -- ASD -- Autism -- Intervention -- Targeted -- Focused -- Specific -- Systemic -- Clinician-led -- Psychoeducation -- Therapy -- Therapeutic; Autism spectrum disorders -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-9467

Abstract

Abstract: In families with a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) much is known about the usefulness of parent training interventions focusing on children's behaviour, social or linguistic development. In contrast clinician led parent targeted interventions focusing on positive parental outcomes such as mental health and psychological well-being are often over-looked. This review systematically considered outcomes in relation to parent-targeted clinician led interventions to support parents' mental health and well-being. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Selected articles focused on parent-targeted interventions with a therapeutic and psychoeducational approach delivered directly to one or both parent carers of a child with ASD. Of the 1756 articles screened eight studies were included with 307 participants. Parent focused interventions based on Mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Non-Directive Counselling approaches were identified. Participating in clinician-led group interventions introducing stress management strategies, biofeedback, mindfulness, acceptance, and problem-solving skills had a positive effect on parents' mental health and well-being. Participating in groups with a parent focused therapy and psychoeducation component improves parents' well-being and quality of life and suggests a fruitful avenue for future clinical practice and research that may ultimately broadly benefit all family members.