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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Jul;53(7):2905-2914.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05558-3. Epub 2022 Apr 30.

Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: A Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation

Charmaine Bernie  1   2   3   4 , Katrina Williams  5   6   7   8 , Fiona Graham  9 , Tamara May  5   6   8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: A Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation

Charmaine Bernie et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether short-phase Occupational Performance Coaching combined with service navigation support is feasible for families waiting for autism assessment.

Method: A pilot feasibility study was conducted using a blinded randomization procedure that allocated participants to one of three trial arms: (1) face-to-face coaching, (2) videoconference coaching, and (3) usual care. Outcomes included a retention aim of 70-80%, goal attainment and secondary standardised measures of adaptive behaviour, social skills, parenting stress, service access and family quality of life.

Results: Caregivers and children (n = 16, child mean age of 3 years 7 months) were recruited following referral for an autism assessment. Retention was 75%, with change scores in performance and satisfaction of selected goals higher in the intervention groups than the usual care group.

Interpretation: Findings support progression to a future randomized controlled trial assessing intervention efficacy.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Child; Coaching; Feasibility; Parent; Waiting list.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study Flow Chart
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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