Autism Therapy: parent support

definition of parent support: not yet defined.

No Factsheets to Display

Parents’ Experiences of Home-Based Applied Behavior Analysis Programs for Young Children with Autism
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Grindle, CF, Kovshoff RP, Hastings RP, and Remington B., published in 2009, summarized Jun 11, 2009

Home-based therapies may be more beneficial to children with autism if therapists also provide parent support.

Parents are often involved with home-based early intensive behavior intervention (EIBI) for their children with autism. They say it helps them, their child, and the rest of the family. But there are difficulties: daily life activities along with the added therapy duties made some parents more stressed and they had less energy to continue the therapy. If therapy providers help support parents, home-based therapy may be carried out longer and be more helpful.


Teaching Young Nonverbal Children with Autism Useful Speech: A Pilot Study of the Denver Model and PROMPT Interventions
J Autism Dev Disord, by Rogers, SJ, Hayden D., Hepburn S., Charlifue-Smith R., Hall T., and Hayes A., published in 2006, summarized Mar 24, 2008

Children with autism who were not talking improved in their use of speech using two different speech therapy programs.

Two methods of speech therapy were compared for how well they helped children (2-5 years old) who were nonverbal and spoke fewer than 5 known words per day. Ten children were divided into two groups: one group received "Denver model" therapy; and the other group received "PROMPT" therapy. Each child had 12 1-hour sessions with one type of therapy, and parents attended each session and learned how to practice with the children at home. Children were tested for language use at the end of the 12 week period, and again 3 months later. Of all the children in this study, 8 out of 10 children showed increases in using speech during therapy and at home. Both types of speech therapy worked to help these nonverbal children.


Evaluation of a Pilot Clinic-Based Social Skills Group
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, by Lim, SM, Kattapuram A., and Lian WB, published in 2007, summarized May 17, 2007

Social skills therapy that is done in the clinic by occupational therapists and at home by parents can help children with autism make friends.

This pilot study was designed to test whether or not social skills therapy can teach children with autism to make friends, greet friends, and play. The social skills therapy was designed in Singapore and used within the clinic with trained parent support at home. Success was based upon whether or not the parents thought that the children had improved. Unfortunately, the parents watched their children only after the eight social skills therapy sessions had ended (not before). The authors report that the program did help the children learn social skills.


Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Ir. J. Psych. Med., by Hallahan, BP, and Murphy KC, published in 2005, summarized Dec 11, 2006

Parent support and education is very helpful for families that have a child with autism.

This review article describes various aspects of autism including: diagnosis, cause, and treatment. The most frequently studied biological treatments for autism include risperidone and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In addition, there are many cognitive/behavioral therapies that have been shown to be useful, including: applied behavioral analysis (ABA), picture exchange communication system (PECS), and intensive exercise. Unfortunately, research studies in cognitive/behavioral therapies are often poorly designed with results that are difficult to interpret. The authors recommend further randomized and controlled research studies to determine which drugs and behavioral therapies are most effective for people with autism.


Showing 4 results

Couple Helping Their Twins with Autism Also Help the Community

Oct 3, 2011

Twin girls, diagnosed with autism, had their parents and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for support. But the Halls, after moving to the Kirkland WA area, had problems finding local resources for their daughters. They have started a non-profit autism center, Olympic Peninsula Autism Center, that they hope will benefit all families in the area. The center will include water activities, physical activities, and a kitchen in which to teach some safety life skills. In addition, there are once-a-month parent support group meetings.

Read original article: Twins Inpsire Parents to Open Autism Center in Silverdale


Support for Parents of Children with Autism

Sep 23, 2011

The local branch of Wales’ National Autistic Society is co-sponsoring a parent support conference to help parents with coping skills. Topics at the conference include parenting strategies and school issues. There are also practical suggestions for parents that include visual schedules, communication skills, and overcoming sensory issues. Parents are encouraged to join their local autism chapter in order to receive education and support, but also to act as advocates for their children.

Read original article: Support for Parents who Face Trials of Autistic Kids


Kentucky Library Hosts Autism Support Group for Parents

Jan 4, 2011

Kellie Scott of the Paris-Bourbon County Public Library began a support group for parents of children with autism when she met some parents as part of her outreach program. The group has been meeting since October and the parents determine the topics each meeting. The Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN) led a discussion on stress management for one session. Sara Spragens, President of the Autism Society of the Bluegrass, explains that there are not a lot of parent support groups and that when there are, parents have problems finding child support. Spragens’ group holds monthly meetings and provides free childcare.

Read original article: Parents of Kids with Autism Find Support


Northern Alabama Parents with Autistic Children Have First Non-Profit Support Center

Oct 19, 2009

The Autism Resource and Knowledge Center is Northern Alabama's first non-profit autism resource center. Along with parent support, the center will offer autism advocacy, information, and guidance for the autism community. Services for children with autism include speech therapy. Their parents can also receive training in making educational and training aids to use at home.

Read original article.


Showing 1-4 of 19 results

No Comments to Display


Please comment on parent support or other autism therapy topics.

  • Factsheet
  • Research
  • News
  • Comments.
    • Share |