The study, conducted by City and Hackney Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), aimed to develop a sustainable regular group program for parents of children with ASD. Using quality improvement (QI) methodology, the research team tracked the total number of parents attending each monthly group over a specific period and gathered feedback on parental confidence and satisfaction. The outcomes were promising, with significant improvements in attendance, parental confidence, and satisfaction.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The research identified several key interventions that contributed to the success of the program:
- Regular Group Sessions: The introduction of a structured, regular group program helped parents feel more connected and supported. Attendance increased significantly, demonstrating the value of consistent support.
- Parent Feedback and Involvement: Engaging parents in the planning and evaluation process ensured that the program was relevant to their needs. Focus groups and questionnaires provided valuable insights that informed the program's development.
- Email Reminder System: Implementing an email-based reminder system proved to be an efficient way to maintain attendance. This system ensured that parents were consistently reminded of upcoming sessions, leading to higher and more stable attendance rates.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines (e.g., occupational therapy, speech and language therapy) enriched the program's content and provided comprehensive support to parents.
Implementing These Strategies in Practice
For practitioners looking to improve their support for parents of children with ASD, the following steps are recommended:
- Establish Regular Support Groups: Create a consistent schedule for parent support groups, ensuring they are easily accessible and well-publicized.
- Engage Parents in the Process: Involve parents in the planning and evaluation of the program to ensure it meets their needs and addresses their concerns.
- Utilize Technology: Implement an efficient reminder system, such as email or text message reminders, to maintain consistent attendance.
- Collaborate with Other Professionals: Work with professionals from various disciplines to provide comprehensive support and address a wide range of needs.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings from this study are promising, there is always room for further research and improvement. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct their own research, implement QI methodologies, and share their findings with the broader community. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are key to providing effective and relevant support for parents of children with ASD.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Improving interventions for parents of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in CAMHS.
