Faculty Publications

Telehealth Parent-Mediated Intervention for Children with Autism in China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Document Type

Article

Keywords

autism, low- and middle-income countries, parent-mediated intervention, self-directed, telehealth

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Topics in Early Childhood Special Education

Abstract

Telehealth for delivering parent-mediated intervention (PMI) is a cost-effective method to expand service access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a self-directed telehealth program for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism in China. Sixty-six parents were randomized to either a 10-week intervention (n = 33) or a waitlist control group (n = 33). Primary outcomes included parenting stress, self-efficacy, and intervention fidelity, while secondary outcomes assessed parent autism knowledge, child social communication behaviors, and program feasibility. The intervention group reported reduced parenting stress (g = 0.61), increased self-efficacy (g = 0.93), and improved fidelity (g = 0.77), with gains in autism knowledge (g = 0.69) and child joint attention (g = 0.62). The program also demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability. These findings support telehealth PMIs as an accessible and effective approach to empowering families in China following their child’s diagnosis.

Department

Department of Literacy, Early Childhood, and Special Education

Original Publication Date

12-30-2025

DOI of published version

10.1177/02711214251404914

Link to Full Text

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