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Contribution title Enabling Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Contribution code D3.027
Authors
  1. Synnøva Hystad Alsaker Health Bergen Haukeland University Hospital Mental health care for children Presenter
  2. Synnøva Hystad Alsaker Health Bergen Haukeland University Hospital Mental health care for children
  3. Gunn Karin Brechan-Skjetne. Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU Central Norway), Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
  4. Ragnhild Bjørknes The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development (NUBU). Regional Centre for Child and Youth, Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU West Norway), NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS.
  5. Gro Janne Henningsen Wergeland University of Bergen
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T04 - ASD
Abstract Empowering Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study of Effect and Parenting Experiences

Aims: Children diagnosed with autism is increasing. Parents of children with autism face challenges and need effective support. The present PhD study is part of the “Enabling parents of children with autism spectrum disorders – a multicenter randomized controlled study on parenting programs” (ENACT). With up to 240 families aged 2-6 years, recruited from three clinics in Norway. The ENACT compares the effect of the Incredible Years for autism spectrum disorders with a standardised treatment as usual psychoeducational parent course.
Research questions: i) what are the subjective experiences of the parents of the interventions, ii) what are the mechanisms of effect, iii) what possible individual factors influence perceived effect and delivery of care.
Methods: Qualitative interviews from 10-15 parents from both interventions will be combined with self-reported questionnaire data on parent stress index (PSI), child quality of life (PedsQL), parent competence and information on child function with Vineland-3. Parent reported outcomes (PROM) are registered digitally 12 and 24 months after the intervention. The qualitative analysis, will complement the quantitative data and involve reflexive thematic analysis. Special emphasis will be placed on exploring the parent programs with focus on the Scandinavian context where the large majority of both parents are employed, and no home-based education.
Results and Conclusions: The study will shed light on the subjective experiences, needs of parents, effective measures, and individual factors influencing intervention outcomes. This knowledge is essential for developing tailored and evidence based help used at the right time.