Parent perceptions of participation in a parent-mediated communication-focussed intervention with their young child with autism spectrum disorder.
Kathy Leadbitter, Wendy Macdonald, Carol Taylor and 1 others
PMID 32667223WHAT IT FOUND
Parents valued the therapist's non-judgmental support and video feedback, which helped them read their child's cues.
However, daily home practice and clinic travel were burdensome. Some parents felt distressed when their child did not quickly start speaking, despite the therapy's benefits.
Key findings
01Parents found the therapist's validation and lack of judgment crucial, as they often felt criticized in social situations.
02Video feedback was initially uncomfortable for some parents but ultimately helped them see their child's subtle communication signals.
03Practical challenges, including travel time and the inability to focus on feedback while the child demanded attention, caused stress.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study only included parents who opted in to interviews, which may bias results toward those with more positive or more strongly negative experiences. Participants were recruited from a high-fidelity clinical trial, so the level of therapist support and resources may not reflect typical community practice. There was limited discussion about the daily home practice component, so the specific challenges of this element are not fully captured.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the Medical Research Council UK.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these parents' positive relationship ratings as evidence that the therapy itself is universally effective or easy to sustain. The study reports subjective experiences and highlights significant practical and emotional burdens that may lead to disengagement in real-world settings.