Parent Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating a Modular Behavioral Intervention for Young Autistic Children

Abstract

We assessed parent stress and competence outcomes from participation in a randomized controlled trial of a modular behavioral intervention (Modular Approach for Young Autistic Children; MAYAC) compared to a treatment-as-usual comprehensive behavioral intervention (CBI). Throughout their participation, parents of military families were included in their child's treatment (e.g., identifying goals, learning strategies to support their child) and reported on their feelings of stress using the Parenting Stress Index-4, Short Form (PSI-4), as well as their feelings of satisfaction and efficacy as a parent on the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale. A linear mixed model evaluated the differences in stress and competence from baseline to each assessment period through follow-up. There were no significant differences between groups in stress or competence ratings; however, there were within-group changes in both treatment arms over the course of the trial. In both groups, parent stress decreased, and competence increased over time, continuing to suggest that behavioral analytic intervention for young children with autism can promote positive parent outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT04078061.

Keywords: applied behavior analysis; autism; behavioral intervention; parent training; parental competence; parental stress; randomized clinical trial (RCT).

FIGURE 1

Average parent training hours by group.

FIGURE 2

Changes in mean PSI‐4 difficult child scale scores.

FIGURE 3

Changes in mean Psi‐4 total score.

FIGURE 4

Changes in mean competence scores.