NT-Based Group Psychoeducation for Parents of Autistic Preschoolers in Türkiye

Kocaeli University24 enrolled

Overview

This pilot randomized study examines the feasibility and preliminary effects of a Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program for parents of autistic preschool children in Türkiye. After providing consent, parents are randomized to one of three conditions: (1) a 10-week NT-based group psychoeducation program delivered weekly (90 minutes per session), (2) a single-session general parenting seminar that does not include autism-specific content (attention control), or (3) a wait-list control group that receives access to intervention materials after the post-test. The primary outcome is parental self-efficacy, assessed using parent-report questionnaires. Outcomes are measured at baseline and post-test, and a later follow-up assessment is used to evaluate whether improvements are maintained. The study also tracks feasibility indicators such as retention and session attendance.

The intervention is a Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program for parents of autistic preschool children. The program includes 10 weekly sessions (90 minutes each) focused on increasing parents' confidence and skills to use everyday routines to support their child, with emphasis on routine-embedded strategies and parent empowerment. The comparator conditions include an attention control (single-session general parenting seminar) and a wait-list control. The primary outcome is parental self-efficacy; secondary outcomes include feasibility indicators (retention and attendance) and maintenance assessed at follow-up on January 13, 2025.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

NT-Based Group PsychoeducationBEHAVIORAL

A Naturalistic Teaching (NT)-based group psychoeducation program delivered in 10 weekly sessions (90 minutes each) for parents of autistic preschool children, focusing on routine-embedded strategies and parent empowerment.

General Parenting Seminar (Attention Control)BEHAVIORAL

A single-session general parenting seminar (approximately 60 minutes) focusing on general parenting topics without autism-specific content.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (18 years or older). * Primary caregiver (e.g., mother/father) of a preschool-aged child with autism spectrum disorder. * Able to attend the sessions (if assigned to the intervention/attention control) and complete study questionnaires. * Provides informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent. * Insufficient proficiency in Turkish to complete questionnaires and participate in sessions.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Parental Self-Efficacy Score (Turkish Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale)

Change in parental self-efficacy from baseline to post-test, assessed using the Turkish Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (13 items; total score range 13-91; 7-point Likert responses; higher scores indicate greater parental self-efficacy \[better outcome\]). The scale includes the Accessing Services and Supports and Parenting Strategies subscales.

Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-test)

Secondary Outcomes

Retention Rate

Baseline and 10 weeks (post-test)

Time frame: Baseline to post-test (end of week 10)