12 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Parent Education and Coaching for Autism

FS
Overseen ByFLIGHT Study Administration
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Documenting Hope Project
Stay on Your Current MedsYou can continue your current medications while participating
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test the effectiveness and feasibility of a new education and coaching program for parents of children with newly diagnosed autism. The program emphasizes lifestyle changes and environmental adjustments to better manage autism symptoms. Parents of children aged 3 to 7, with a recent autism diagnosis and no prior comprehensive lifestyle changes, might be suitable candidates. The study will last 12 months and forms part of the child's overall clinical care plan. As an unphased trial, it offers parents a unique opportunity to explore innovative strategies that could significantly enhance their child's quality of life.

What prior data suggests that this education and coaching program is safe for parents of children with autism?

Past studies have found that programs educating and coaching parents of children with autism are safe and well-received. Research shows these programs reduce stress and boost parents' confidence without causing harm. For instance, a study on an online coaching program reported positive results for parents with no major negative effects. Another study found that parent training can be more effective than general education, improving both parenting skills and children's behavior safely. No reports of serious side effects have emerged from these programs, suggesting they are a safe choice for parents.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Parent Education and Coaching program for autism because it focuses on empowering parents of newly diagnosed children through education and lifestyle changes. Unlike standard treatments, which often focus directly on the child through therapies like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) or speech therapy, this program emphasizes modifiable lifestyle factors and environmental adjustments that parents can implement. This approach aims to create a supportive environment and promote positive development from the home, potentially offering a more holistic and sustainable impact on the child's progress.

What evidence suggests that this education and coaching program is effective for autism?

Research shows that programs teaching and guiding parents can greatly benefit children with autism. This trial will evaluate a parent education and coaching program specifically for parents of children with newly diagnosed autism. Studies have found that such programs can help improve social skills and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For example, a program where parents received guidance remotely helped boost these skills. Another study found that a 4-week education program improved outcomes for both parents and children. Additionally, training for parents has been linked to less stress for caregivers and better parenting. Overall, the evidence supports the positive effects of parent coaching on children with autism and their families.15678

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

My child has not tried full diet, lifestyle, or environmental changes for autism.
Child has autism diagnosis featuring evaluation with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2), or Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) within the last 18 months
Child and parents live in the United States
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am not willing or able to make major changes to my diet or lifestyle.
I am not able or willing to take part in study activities like coaching.
Parents who hold beliefs that are incompatible with an education and lifestyle intervention
See 3 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Education and Coaching Intervention

Parents participate in a 12-month education and health coaching program focused on modifiable lifestyle factors and environmental modifications

12 months
Regular sessions throughout the 12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for the effectiveness of the intervention through various assessments

12 months
Assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Parent education and coaching program

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Parent education and coaching program for newly diagnosed autismExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Documenting Hope Project

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1
Recruited
10+

Citations

The effectiveness of parent training for children with autism ...

Preliminary evidence suggested that parent mediated intervention delivered remotely may improve social behaviour and communication skills of ASD children ...

Parent and child outcomes of JumpStart™, an education ...

This pilot study examined the effectiveness of JumpStart™, a 4-week education program including a Behavioral Skills Training model for parents of children ...

Effectiveness of a Parent Empowerment Program for ... - PMC

Parents of children with autism often face significant stress, low self‐efficacy, and caregiver burden in meeting their children's complex ...

Effectiveness of a Training Program for Parents of Toddlers ...

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a hospital-provided hybrid parental support program de- signed to help parents implement routine ...

Effectiveness of a training program among parents ...

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention developed to support parents of children with ASD in Tunisia.

The Characteristics and Results of Parent Training ... - PMC

A review of parent education programs for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on autism and other developmental disabilities, 26:96–104.

E‐coaching for parents of children with autism spectrum ...

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an innovative e-coaching program for parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder.

Effect of Parent Training vs Parent ...

Parent Training vs Parent Education in Autism Spectrum Disorder. 1528. JAMA April 21, 2015 Volume 313, Number 15 (Reprinted) jama.com.