Effectiveness of a Parent Training Intervention for Children with Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Problems in Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience several negative psychological outcomes that are compounded by the presence of children’s comorbid behavioral problems. Objective(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive parent training intervention for children with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems in a clinic-based setting in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with non-equivalent groups (intervention, non-intervention, 46 each) was conducted targeting parents/caregivers of children aged ≥ 3 years with ASD and having at least one behavioral problem. The intervention group participated in a multi-component group intervention including psychoeducation, parent training and brief cognitive behavioral therapy. Both groups were assessed immediately after program completion (post-1) and 3 months later (post-2). Measured outcomes included caregivers’ ASD related knowledge and emotional status, and children’s behavioral problems, that were assessed using: ASD knowledge self-report questionnaire, The Arabic Version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, The Arabic Version of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and The Arabic Version of Home Situation Questionnaire for ASD. Results: Positive effect of the program was evidenced by significant improvement on all outcome measures at post-2. The highest percentage mean change was reported in caregivers’ anxiety symptoms (-63.64), followed by caregivers’ depression symptoms, child’s behavioral problems and caregivers’ stress symptoms (-52.63, -45.64 and -38.18, respectively). ASD related knowledge recorded the least percentage mean change (18.18). Conclusion: The current intervention provided evidence for the effectiveness of an Egyptian group - based parent-focused multi-component intervention in addressing educational and emotional problems of caregivers of children with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems.

Keywords

• parent training
• asd
• multi-component intervention
• behavioral problems
• egypt