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
24
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.
A single-session general parenting seminar (approximately 60 minutes) focusing on general parenting topics without autism-specific content.
Kocaeli University, Faculty of Education
Kocaeli, Izmit, Turkey (Türkiye)
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)
Retention Rate
Baseline and 10 weeks (post-test)
Time frame: Baseline to post-test (end of week 10)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.