Caregiver Interventions for Autism
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve care for children with autism by training caregivers through group sessions. Researchers will compare two types of training: one led by professionals and another led by peers, aiming to make autism support more accessible and effective. The study focuses on caregivers who speak Swahili or English and have children aged 2 to 8 with potential signs of autism. By refining these scalable caregiver interventions for autism, the trial seeks to reduce caregiver stress and improve communication and behavior in children. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers the chance to contribute to innovative autism support strategies that could benefit families worldwide.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's interventions are likely to be safe?
Research shows that caregiver support groups, whether led by professionals or peers, can be safe and helpful for families dealing with autism. In professionally led groups, studies have found improvements in social skills and reduced stress for caregivers, fostering a supportive environment. These groups have succeeded in both well-resourced and less-resourced areas, such as rural parts of the U.S. and Kenya, demonstrating effectiveness across different communities.
Peer-led groups also yield positive effects. They provide social support and help ease the burden on caregivers. Research indicates that peer support can effectively address the complex needs of families with children on the autism spectrum, improving outcomes for both caregivers and children.
Both types of groups can enhance the quality of life for caregivers and children, with no major safety concerns reported. This suggests these interventions are generally safe and well-received.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the scalable caregiver interventions for autism because they focus on empowering caregivers with practical skills and support, which can be more accessible and sustainable than traditional therapies. Unlike typical autism treatments that often rely on direct therapy with the individual, these interventions involve either professional-led or peer-facilitated groups, providing caregivers with tools and community support. This approach not only aims to improve outcomes for those with autism but also strengthens the caregiving environment, potentially leading to long-term benefits for families as a whole.
What evidence suggests that this trial's caregiver interventions could be effective for autism?
This trial will compare different caregiver intervention approaches for autism. Studies have shown that support groups for caregivers can significantly benefit both caregivers and children with autism. In this trial, participants may join professional-led caregiver groups, which research indicates can lower caregiver stress and reduce autism symptoms in children. Alternatively, participants might join peer-facilitated caregiver groups, which have also proven effective, with studies showing improved well-being and social skills for both caregivers and their children. These programs are promising because they boost caregiver confidence and enhance communication and behavior in children with autism. Overall, evidence suggests that these group programs can help families manage the challenges of autism effectively.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Megan S. McHenry, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
Indiana University
Eren Oyungu, MBChB
Principal Investigator
Moi University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It aims to help those facing challenges like limited access to care, high stress, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. Caregivers must be willing to participate in group training programs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive a group-based caregiver training program, either professionally-led or peer-led, to improve caregiver well-being and child communication and behavior
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for caregiver and child outcomes, including quality of life and stress levels
Post-intervention Evaluation
Feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the intervention are assessed through quantitative and qualitative measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Scalable Caregiver Interventions for Autism
Trial Overview
The study tests two types of caregiver training programs: one led by professionals and another by peers who are also caregivers. The goal is to see which model better improves caregiver well-being and child communication and behavior.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
Moi University
Collaborator
University of Virginia
Collaborator
Citations
The Effectiveness of an Autistic-delivered Peer-support ...
The proposed study seeks to refine, manualize, and test a pilot autistic peer support program aimed at supporting community participation among autistic young ...
Impact of peer-support programs for individuals with autism
Studies reported diverse improvements, including enhanced well-being, self-esteem, and academic performance. Many participants valued connecting ...
2022 Report to Congress - Research on Supportive ...
Studies show that caregiver-, family-, and peer- mediated interventions can facilitate social, cognitive, and language development in children on the autism ...
Peer-Mediated Intervention's Effectiveness for Students ... - ERIC
Peer-mediated intervention's effectiveness for students with autism spectrum disorder. Educational Research: Theory and Practice,. 35(4), 201-218.
Autistic-Delivered Peer Support: A Feasibility Study - PMC
This study examined characteristics of participants in an autistic-delivered peer support program and reports on use of and satisfaction with the program.
The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental ...
The results reveal a high level of burden among caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as a notable deterioration ...
Experiences of peer support amongst parents of children ...
Peer support is a form of social support that can address the complexities of support needs and challenges of parenting children with Neurodevelopmental ...
The Effectiveness of an Autistic-delivered Peer-support ...
Investigators will then conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the service while also examining the feasibility, ...
Understanding the Implications of Peer Support for ...
Mothers, specifically have been found to have poorer mental health, poorer physical health, and lower quality of life when they are parenting a ...
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