Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parenting Self-efficacy
Conditions
Keywords
Naturalistic Teaching, Psychoeducation, Parent-mediated intervention, Caregivers, Preschool, Early intervention, Parent training, Routine-based strategies, Randomized trial
Brief summary
This pilot randomized study examines the feasibility and preliminary effects of a Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program for parents of autistic preschool children in Türkiye. After providing consent, parents are randomized to one of three conditions: (1) a 10-week NT-based group psychoeducation program delivered weekly (90 minutes per session), (2) a single-session general parenting seminar that does not include autism-specific content (attention control), or (3) a wait-list control group that receives access to intervention materials after the post-test. The primary outcome is parental self-efficacy, assessed using parent-report questionnaires. Outcomes are measured at baseline and post-test, and a later follow-up assessment is used to evaluate whether improvements are maintained. The study also tracks feasibility indicators such as retention and session attendance.
Detailed description
The intervention is a Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program for parents of autistic preschool children. The program includes 10 weekly sessions (90 minutes each) focused on increasing parents' confidence and skills to use everyday routines to support their child, with emphasis on routine-embedded strategies and parent empowerment. The comparator conditions include an attention control (single-session general parenting seminar) and a wait-list control. The primary outcome is parental self-efficacy; secondary outcomes include feasibility indicators (retention and attendance) and maintenance assessed at follow-up on January 13, 2025.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALNT-Based Group Psychoeducation
A Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program delivered in 10 weekly sessions (90 minutes each) for parents of autistic preschool children, focusing on routine-embedded strategies and parent empowerment.
BEHAVIORALGeneral Parenting Seminar (Attention Control)
A single-session general parenting seminar (approximately 60 minutes) focusing on general parenting topics without autism-specific content.
Sponsors
Kocaeli University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (18 years or older). * Primary caregiver (e.g., mother/father) of a preschool-aged child with autism spectrum disorder. * Able to attend the sessions (if assigned to the intervention/attention control) and complete study questionnaires. * Provides informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Inability to provide informed consent. * Insufficient proficiency in Turkish to complete questionnaires and participate in sessions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Parental Self-Efficacy Score (Turkish Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale) | Baseline and 10 weeks (post-test) | Change in parental self-efficacy from baseline to post-test, assessed using the Turkish Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (13 items; total score range 13-91; 7-point Likert responses; higher scores indicate greater parental self-efficacy \[better outcome\]). The scale includes the Accessing Services and Supports and Parenting Strategies subscales. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Retention Rate | Baseline to post-test (end of week 10) | Baseline and 10 weeks (post-test) |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
STUDY_DIRECTORTürker Orkun Arslan, MA
Kocaeli University
Outcome results
None listed