Supporting the Well Being of Families of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The objective of this 2 year research project is to determine whether an evidenced-based empowerment strategy, Problem Solving Education (PSE), targeted to mothers of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), promotes family well-being by decreasing the burden of maternal depressive symptoms and maternal parenting stress and improving social functioning. We propose a randomized control trial involving 140 mothers who have children <4 years with confirmed ASDs. Based on the paradigm of the IOM report on mental health prevention research that highlights the importance of targeting interventions to at-risk populations who may not meet diagnostic criteria, all mothers of young children with ASDs will be eligible to participate. Consistent with previous studies of cognitive-behavioral interventions, the mother-child pairs will be followed for 9 months. The intervention will be embedded in two settings that provide services to young children with ASDs - Early Intervention (EI) programs and specialty developmental assessment clinics. We aim to support families during a critical juncture - when they are confronted with a new diagnosis and are asked to navigate a complex service system on their children's behalf. The hypothesis of this proposal is that strengthening problem solving skills among mothers of young children with ASDs serve as an important buffer against the negative impact of life stressors, and thereby prevent and attenuate depressive symptoms and parenting stress.

Official Title
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Supporting the Well Being of Families of Young Children With Autism Spectrum

Conditions
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Maternal Depression

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Problem Solving Education


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: all mothers of young children </ 6 with ASDs mothers who speak English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: Mother has psychosis Mother endorses suicidal ideation Mother actively using illicit drugs Mother expected to leave area within 6 months
Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Problem Solving Education<br> | Behavioral: Problem Solving Education<br>* Problem Solving Education (PSE) is an evidenced-based empowerment strategy, targeted to mothers of young children to promote family well-being by decreasing the burden of maternal depressive symptoms and maternal parenting stress and improving social functioning.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms |  | Baseline, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5 & 9 months | 
| Parenting Stress Index |  | Baseline, 3, 6 & 9months | 
| Perceived Stress Scale |  | Baseline, 3, 6 & 9 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Social Problem Solving Inventory |  | Baseline, 3, 6 & 9 months | 
| Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report |  | Baseline, 3, 6 & 9 months | 
| Patient Activation Measure |  | Baseline, 3, 6 & 9 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Depression,, Early Intervention,, Behavior Disorder,, Parenting Skills,, Children with Special Health Care Needs,, Developmental Disabilities,, Family Support Programs