Tele-Assisted Behavioral Intervention for Families with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Telehealth is useful for both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment, but studies with a direct comparison between teletherapy and traditional in-person therapy are limited. Methods: This randomized control trial—ISRCTN (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain sciences 2020-09, Vol.10 (9), p.649
Main Authors: Marino, Flavia, Chila, Paola, Failla, Chiara, Crimi, Ilaria, Minutoli, Roberta, Puglisi, Alfio, Arnao, Antonino Andrea, Tartarisco, Gennaro, Ruta, Liliana, Vagni, David, Pioggia, Giovanni
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ABA
ASD
Autism
Autistic children
Behavior modification
behavioral intervention
Care and treatment
Children
Communication
Domestic relations
Families & family life
Family
Health aspects
Intervention
Medical diagnosis
Parents & parenting
Psychological aspects
RCT
telehealth
Telemedicine
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Summary:Background: Telehealth is useful for both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment, but studies with a direct comparison between teletherapy and traditional in-person therapy are limited. Methods: This randomized control trial—ISRCTN (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number) primary clinical trial registry ID ISRCTN15312724—was aimed at comparing the effect of a tele-assisted and in-person intervention based on a behavioral intervention protocol for families with children affected by ASDs. Forty-two parents with children with autism (30 months to 10 years old) were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) intervention implemented in an individual and group setting, either with or without the inclusion of tele-assistance. Pre- and postintervention assessments were conducted using the Home Situation Questionnaire (HSQ-ASD) and the Parental Stress Index (PSI/SF). Results: Substantial improvements in the perception and management of children’s behavior by parents, as well as in the influence of a reduction in parent stress levels on said children’s behavior through the use of a tele-assisted intervention, were obtained. Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial demonstrates the evidence-based potential for telehealth to improve treatment of ASDs.
ISSN:2076-3425
2076-3425
DOI:10.3390/brainsci10090649