The development of the Helping your Anxious Child programme: a parent-mediated group intervention for parents of autistic children in South Asia

Abstract

Autistic children are at increased risk of experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety. A number of intervention programmes are now available in high-income countries to support autistic children. However, to date there are no evidence-based interventions to support families of such children in South Asia. Based on consultations with clinicians, researchers and parents in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, we developed a culturally tailored two-session skills-based group programme for parents whose autistic children present with anxiety. This paper describes the process of creating this programme, to be delivered by mental health professionals.

Keywords

• Anxiety or fear-related disorders
• autism spectrum disorders
• low- and middle-income countries
• neurodevelopmental disorders
• psychosocial interventions