Determining the Effectiveness of a Modulated Parenting Skills Program on Reducing Autistic Symptoms in Children and Improvement of Parental Adjustment

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a modulated program of parenting skills and to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing autistic symptoms and increasing parental adjustment. Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized in two phases, a pretest- posttest design and a control group. First, a treatment program with both individual and group structure was constructed considering available treatments such as cognitive–behavior therapy, social stories, and play therapy catered to autistic children and the needs of their families. The program consisted of techniques such as acceptance, common cognitive errors challenge, control of thoughts, emotions and behavior, the principles of reward and punishment, and crisis management etc. The validity of the program was confirmed by four experts. Secondly, 26 volunteer qualified couples selected from the parents were referred to a rehabilitation center in Tehran, and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The pretest was performed for all participants. Then, the control group was kept away from the program during the 10 sessions of group, four sessions of individual, and two sessions of family therapy for each couple in the experiment group.  Results: Univariate analysis of Covariance showed that the program significantly improved marital adjustment in parents (F=22.018, P=0.001), and successfully reduced the symptoms of autistic disorder in social interaction (F=5.733, P=0.027) and relations (F=10.07, P=0.005). However, it did not significantly affect stereotyped behaviors (F=4.304, P=0.053) and development (F=0.448, P=0.511) of autistic children in the experimental group. Discussion: The compiled parenting program is recommended to improve parental empowerment for the families of autistic children, because it is capable of reducing autistic symptoms in social interaction and relationships as well as improving marital adjustment in such families.