Enablers of Behavioral Parent Training for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2019-03, Vol.28 (3), p.693-703
• Main Authors: Raulston, Tracy J., Hieneman, Meme, Caraway, Nell, Pennefather, Jordan, Bhana, Naima
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attrition; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autistic children; Behavior; Behavior problems; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Emotional intelligence; Emotional support; Families & family life; Family (Sociological Unit); Feedback; Focus Groups; Original Paper; Parent Participation; Parental stress; Parenthood education; Parents & parenting; Psychology; Qualitative research; Risk behavior; Social education; Social Sciences; Sociology; Stress management; Well being
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-018-1295-x

Objective Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk to develop problem behavior, which can have deleterious effects on child and parental well-being. Because of this, parents are often provided with Behavioral Parent Training (BPT). However, attrition rates in BPT are high, and there is a relative dearth of research investigating factors that influence parental engagement in BPT. Methods We ran seven semi-structured online focus groups with a total of 30 parents of children with ASD and related disabilities. Parents were interviewed in order to gain a greater understanding of variables that enable or pose barriers to parental engagement in BPT. An inductive qualitative analysis was conducted by two independent authors. Results Our analyses revealed three themes indicating the need for (a) supportive, professional feedback; (b) accessible, flexible, and affordable training; and (c) social-emotional support and community connection in BPT for parents of children with ASD. Conclusions Results from this study suggest that parental engagement in BPT for children with ASD may be enhanced if it is relevant to the needs of families, facilitated by responsive professionals, flexible, and readily accessible. Additionally, parents may benefit from BPT that includes social and emotional support, such as assistance connecting with other families and evidence-based strategies to manage the stress associated with parenting a child with ASD and challenging behavior.