Telehealth group parent training for children with autism spectrum disorder and behavioral difficulties: feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder; Parent training; Telehealth

Trastorn de l'espectre autista; Formació per a pares; Telesalut

Trastorno del espectro autista; Formación para padres; Telesalud

Background and objectives Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience significant behavioral challenges that hinder adaptive functioning and increase caregiver stress. This study assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a telehealth-delivered group parent training program designed to address behavioral difficulties in children with ASD. Method An open-label, single-arm trial was conducted with children aged 3–12 years diagnosed with ASD and behavioral difficulties, recruited from a tertiary hospital’s autism care program. Program effectiveness was evaluated using parent-reported measures on their children and on themselves assessing behavior problems, parental stress, and quality of life. Data analysis included pre-post comparisons and follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months. Results Twenty dyads parent-children were analyzed. Satisfaction with the program was moderate, with especially favorable feedback on the "planned ignoring" unit. Preferences for delivery mode and format varied, with suggestions to reduce the number of tasks and tailor content to individual needs. Significant reductions in irritability, lethargy, hyperactivity were observed immediately after treatment, with improvements in irritability and hyperactivity sustained at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Parental stress decreased significantly post-treatment but did not persist over time. Quality of life improved significantly compared to baseline, both immediately post-treatment and during follow-up evaluations. Conclusions The telehealth-delivered group parent training program demonstrated feasibility and moderate acceptability, with significant improvements in child behavior and caregiver quality of life. However, the reduction in parental stress was not sustained over time. These findings underscore the potential of telehealth-delivered group interventions for managing ASD-related behavioral issues and indicate areas for program refinement to enhance adherence and long-term effectiveness.