Research Article  |   September 2015
Effectiveness of Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review of Family Outcomes
Heather Miller Kuhaneck; Stephanie Madonna; Audrey Novak; Emily Pearson
Author Affiliations
  • Heather Miller Kuhaneck, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT; kuhaneckh@sacredheart.edu
  • Stephanie Madonna, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapy Associates, PC, Southington, CT
  • Audrey Novak, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Masonicare Health Center, Wallingford, CT
  • Emily Pearson, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Capitol Region Education Council, Hartford, CT
Article Information
Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder / Evidence-Based Practice / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Special Issue on Autism: Evidence Review
Research Article   |   September 2015
Effectiveness of Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review of Family Outcomes
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September 2015, Vol. 69, 6905180040p1-6905180040p14. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.017855
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September 2015, Vol. 69, 6905180040p1-6905180040p14. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.017855
Abstract

This systematic review examined the literature published from January 2006 to April 2013 related to the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents to improve parental stress and self-efficacy, coping, and resilience and family participation in daily life and routines. From the 4,457 abstracts, 34 articles were selected that matched the inclusion criteria. The results were mixed and somewhat inconclusive because this body of literature is in its infancy. Studies of children with ASD do not routinely measure parental and family outcomes. Recommendations include an emphasis on family measures other than parental stress and a greater focus on measures of parental and family functioning in all future studies of pediatric interventions to more fully understand the impact of interventions in a wider context.