Helping Parents Achieve Behavior Modification in Children with ASD

A behavioral training intervention was more effective than an educational program, which also improved behaviors.

Parent training programs in behavior modification for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been demonstrated effective in several small studies. Are parent educational programs similarly effective?

To compare the effectiveness of parent training and parent education in modifying ASD-associated disruptive behaviors, investigators randomized 180 children aged 3 to 7 years with ASD to parent training or structured parent education for 24 weeks. Training consisted of 11 to 13 sessions, 2 telephone sessions, 2 home visits, and 6 child-parent coaching sessions. Training comprised standard behavior management training with a focus on analyzing antecedents and consequences of behavior followed by strategies to prevent disruptive behavio…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics