The RUBI Parent Training for Disruptive Behavior in a Child with Electrical Status Epilepticus in Sleep (ESES): A Case Report

Abstract

Children with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) often present with cognitive deficits and behavioral difficulties. Children that present with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and ESES would be expected to manifest more complex symptoms and increased behavioral difficulties given the nature of these disorders. Despite the complex presentation, there is little research to support effective treatments that manage behavior challenges and associated symptoms of ASD in such patients. In the present case report, the authors implemented a validated parent management training intervention, The Research Unit on Behavioral Interventions (RUBI) Autism Network Parent Training program (RUBI-PT) via telemedicine to manage symptoms of ADHD, ASD, and disruptive behaviors in an 8-year-old South-Asian boy with ESES and associated mild intellectual disability. The family participated in 15 RUBI-PT sessions over 22 weeks. Parent report and ratings using the clinical global impression, improvement scale (CGI-I) indicated reductions in challenging behavior and improvement in adaptive skills. The current case report demonstrates the utility of RUBI-PT in the treatment of behavioral difficulties in a patient with ASD, ADHD, and ESES. Further, the present study explores future directions for the use of RUBI-PT to address behavioral challenges associated with ESES and commonly co-occurring conditions and highlights the importance of cultural responsive practice in the context of parent management training.