Effectiveness of a Parent Training Intervention for Children with Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Problems in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience several negativepsychological outcomes that are compounded by the presence of children's comorbid behavioralproblems.Objective(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive parent training intervention forchildren with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems in a clinic-based setting in Alexandria, Egypt.Methods: A quasi-experimental study with non-equivalent groups (intervention, non-intervention, 46each) was conducted targeting parents/caregivers of children aged ≥ 3 years with ASD and having atleast one behavioral problem. The intervention group participated in a multi-component group intervention including psychoeducation, parent training and brief cognitive behavioral therapy. Bothgroups were assessed immediately after program completion (post-1) and 3 months later (post-2).Measured outcomes included caregivers' ASD related knowledge and emotional status, andchildren's behavioral problems, that were assessed using: ASD knowledge self-report questionnaire,The Arabic Version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, The Arabic Version of Strengths andDifficulties Questionnaire, and The Arabic Version of Home Situation Questionnaire for ASD.Results: Positive effect of the program was evidenced by significant improvement on all outcomemeasures at post-2. The highest percentage mean change was reported in caregivers' anxietysymptoms (-63.64), followed by caregivers' depression symptoms, child's behavioral problems andcaregivers' stress symptoms (-52.63, -45.64 and -38.18, respectively). ASD related knowledgerecorded the least percentage mean change (18.18).Conclusion: The current intervention provided evidence for the effectiveness of an Egyptian group -based parent-focused multi-component intervention in addressing educational and emotionalproblems of caregivers of children with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems.