The Effectiveness of a Parent Training Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and High-Risk Infants: A Case-Control Study

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Parent Training Program: Parent Training Programs are complementary interventions to special education, implemented by parents to support the social, cognitive, and behavioral development of children with autism and other developmental disorders. Throughout the program, key developmental skills that children are expected to acquire-such as social skills (eye contact, joint attention, play, imitation), language, cognitive, motor, and self-care abilities-are explained using sample photos and simple instructions. Additionally, the program provides guidance on how to foster secure attachment between parent and child and how to support social-communicative skills through warm, responsive interactions in daily life.

routine care: Standard care routinely provided to participants within clinical services

Study summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a parent training program on the severity of autism-related symptoms in two groups: (1) infants under the age of 2 who show early signs of autism, and (2) children aged 2 to 5 years who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study also aims to assess the program's impact on the quality of life and stress levels of the children's parents or caregivers.

The study will include children aged 0 to 5 years who are either considered at risk for autism or have an ASD diagnosis, along with their caregivers. A total of 250 participants are expected to enroll in the study. Informed consent will be obtained from all parents or caregivers before participation.

After consent, the 250 children will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Group A: Parent Training Program + Routine Care Group B: Routine Care Only While Group B will receive standard treatments such as education and psychotherapy and a single psychoeducational session about autism and its treatment, Group A will receive the same routine care plus the structured Parent Training Program.

Children in both groups will be assessed before the intervention begins and again after 12 weeks. Evaluations will be conducted with the support of professionals using standardized tools. Caregivers will complete a background information form with the help of the research team.

To assess symptom severity, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) will be administered by clinicians. General developmental levels will be evaluated using screening tools such as the Denver Developmental Screening Test or AGTE. Caregivers will also complete the Quality of Life in Autism-Parent Version and the Parenting Stress Index.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from Baseline in Autism Severity as Measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) — Baseline, After 1 and 3 Months from Intervention
  Autism severity will be assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), a clinician-rated tool that evaluates behavior in 15 areas related to communication, social interaction, and sensory responses. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 (no signs of autism) to 4 (severe symptoms), with a total score ranging from 15 to 60. The total CARS score will be recorded at baseline (prior to intervention) and again. The primary outcome is the change in total score, which reflects improvement or worsening in the severity of autism symptoms over time.

Trial sites (1)

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