Involving parents of autistic children in early intervention programmes for their children

Abstract

Research shows that increased parental involvement in early intervention programs has a positive impact on children with autism. However, there is a need for more research into how their involvement affects or improves the results of their autistic children behaviour (Walker et al., 2005). This study set out to investigate the ways in which parents need to involve themselves more effectively in the early intervention program of their children (aged between 3 and 12 years). More specially, what parents need and the nature of the services provided to them by the Autism center. This study investigates the need for more support to be provided to parents and explores the challenges associated with implementing the early intervention programme outside the centre that are faced by Saudi families.

74 parents and caregivers of children aged 3-12 years with an autism diagnosis participated in this study. These participants’ children are in an early intervention program, and were allocated randomly by the Autism Center. The chosen research design for this study is a mixed-method survey which was created online. Participants responded voluntarily. This cross-sectional study focused on research pertaining to their involvement in their children’s early intervention program.