Effects of Parent-Mediated Intervention in Teaching Social Communication Skills to Children w ith Autism Spe ctrum Disorders (ASD): a Systematic Review1

Abstract

Parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) are the most cost-effective way to target social communication and behavioral issues in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This research synthesis aims to (a) identify the types of PMI programs that have been used to improve the social communication skills of children with ASD and (b) record the outcomes of these programs that have been reported in previous research on children with ASD and their parents. The PRISMA guidelines were used to identify the published PMI studies from 2004 to 2022. The digital databases Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, and B-on were screened for relevant publications using the keywords “autism spectrum disorder” AND “home-based intervention” OR “parent-mediated intervention” OR “family-mediated intervention” AND “educational program” OR “training program” AND “social skills” OR “communication skills” in the studies’ titles and/or abstracts. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies with parent-mediated intervention programs primarily targeting the social communication skills of children with ASD, published in English, and reporting outcomes in children with ASD. The search yielded 462 publications, and only 37 studies were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. Overall, these studies showed that PMIs were effective in improving social communication and other skills of children with ASD. Additionally, parents showed high fidelity, positive perception, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and a decrease in stress. The limitations of the studies and future implications were discussed.