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Reichow B, Kogan C, Barbui C, Maggin D, Salomone E, Smith IC, Yasamy MT, Servili C. Caregiver skills training for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:713-724. [PMID: 37786292 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM To systematically review the effectiveness of caregiver and parent skills training programs, including caregiver-mediated interventions, for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHOD We conducted a systematic review with a random-effects meta-analysis. We searched 11 electronic databases through July 2021 and used a snowball methodology to locate relevant articles of randomized controlled trials. Effect size estimates were pooled using Hedges' g from data extracted from study reports and through author requests using random-effects meta-analyses for three child outcome categories (child development, adaptive behavior, and problem behavior) and three caregiver outcome categories (parenting skills and knowledge, psychological well-being, and interpersonal family relations). RESULTS We located 44 910 records, from which 75 randomized controlled trials involving 4746 individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers were included. Random-effects meta-analyses showed improvements in child development (g = 0.30; 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07-0.53) and reduction in reported problem behaviors (g = 0.41; 99% CI = 0.24-0.59), but not a statistically significant improvement in adaptive behavior (g = 0.28; 99% CI = -0.42 to 0.98). Caregivers showed improvements in parenting skills and knowledge (g = 0.72; 99% CI = 0.53-0.90), psychological well-being (g = 0.52; 99% CI = 0.34-0.71), and interpersonal family relations (g = 0.76; 99% CI = 0.32-1.20). INTERPRETATION Caregiver skills training programs benefit both caregivers and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Skills training programs improve child development and behavior, improve parenting skills, reduce caregiver mental health issues, and improve family functioning. Programs using culturally appropriate training material to improve the development, functioning, and participation of children within families and communities should be considered when caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Caregiver skills training programs are effective interventions for both caregivers and children. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders benefit from improvements in development and reduction of problematic behaviors. Caregivers benefit from enhanced skills and psychological well-being. Improvements in interpersonal family relationships have also been documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reichow
- AJ Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cary Kogan
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Corrado Barbui
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Isaac C Smith
- AJ Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Ferrante C, Sorgato P, Fioravanti M, Pacione L, Arduino GM, Ghersi S, Scattoni ML, Servili C, Salomone E. Supporting Caregivers Remotely During a Pandemic: Comparison of WHO Caregiver Skills Training Delivered Online Versus in Person in Public Health Settings in Italy. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:765-784. [PMID: 36454366 PMCID: PMC9713075 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness data of a virtual adaptation of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST; n = 25) were compared with those of a pilot RCT of CST delivered in person (n = 43) against treatment as usual (TAU; n = 43). Virtual CST was delivered with high levels of integrity, but received lower ratings in some caregiver- and facilitator-rated acceptability and feasibility dimensions. Qualitative analysis identified both benefits (flexibility, convenience, clinical usefulness) and challenges, (technological issues, distraction from family members, emotional distance). Virtual and in-person CST improved significantly more on caregiver competence than TAU; there were no other significant effects. Potential for use of virtual CST as a clinical response in contexts where in-person delivery is not possible is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ferrante
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Sorgato
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Fioravanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pacione
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Maurizio Arduino
- Centro Autismo e Sindrome di Asperger, Ospedale Regina Montis Regalis Mondovì, Mondovì (Cuneo), Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erica Salomone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Settanni M, Suma K, Adamson LB, McConachie H, Servili C, Salomone E. Treatment mechanism of the WHO caregiver skills training intervention for autism delivered in community settings. Autism Res 2024; 17:182-194. [PMID: 38151484 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the mechanism of effect of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) through secondary analysis of a pilot RCT conducted in community settings. Participants were 86 caregivers (77% mothers) of children with ASD (78% male, mean age: 44.8 months) randomized to CST (n = 43) or treatment as usual (n = 43). The primary outcomes, measured at baseline (t1), immediately post-intervention (t2), and 3 months post-intervention (t3), were derived from the coding of caregiver-child free play interactions with the Brief Observation of Social-Communication Change (BOSCC) and the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory scale (JERI). At t3 positive treatment main effects had been observed for caregiver skills supportive of the interaction and for flow of the interaction (JERI), albeit only non-significant changes in the expected direction for child outcomes: autism phenotypic behaviors (BOSCC), joint engagement and availability to interact (JERI). This study tested the theory of change of CST, hypothesizing that the intervention would lead to an improvement on all child and dyad outcomes through an increase in the caregiver skills supportive of the interaction. Serial mediation analyses revealed that the effect of the intervention was significantly influenced by change in caregiver skills. Participation in the intervention led to notable increases in caregiver skills at t2 and t3, which subsequently contributed to improvements at t3 in flow of the interaction, autism phenotypic behavior, joint engagement, and availability to interact. We confirmed our a priori hypothesis showing that change in caregiver skills significantly mediated the effect of treatment on the dyad primary outcome, as well as on the other child outcomes that had shown non-significant changes in the expected direction. Implications for intervention design and policy making in the context of public health services are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharine Suma
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Helen McConachie
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erica Salomone
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Zerihun T, Kinfe M, Koly KN, Abdurahman R, Girma F, Hanlon C, de Vries PJ, Hoekstra RA. Non-specialist delivery of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training Programme for children with developmental disabilities: Stakeholder perspectives about acceptability and feasibility in rural Ethiopia. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:95-106. [PMID: 37194191 PMCID: PMC10771020 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231162155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Children with developmental disabilities including autism who live in low- and middle-income countries have very limited access to care and intervention. The World Health Organization initiated the caregiver skills training programme to support families with children with developmental disabilities. In Ethiopia, contextual factors such as poverty, low literacy and stigma may affect the success of the programme. In this study, we aimed to find out if the caregiver skills training programme is feasible to deliver in rural Ethiopia and acceptable to caregivers and programme facilitators. We trained non-specialist providers to facilitate the programme. Caregivers and non-specialist facilitators were asked about their experiences in interviews and group discussions. Caregivers found the programme relevant to their lives and reported benefits of participation. Facilitators highlighted the skills they had acquired but also emphasised the importance of support from supervisors during the programme. They described that some caregiver skills training programme topics were difficult to teach caregivers. In particular, the idea of play between caregiver and child was unfamiliar to many caregivers. Lack of available toys made it difficult to practise some of the caregiver skills training programme exercises. Participants indicated that the home visits and group training programme components of the caregiver skills training were acceptable and feasible, but there were some practical barriers, such as transportation issues and lack of time for homework practice. These findings may have importance to non-specialist delivery of the caregiver skills training programme in other low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Zerihun
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kamrun Nahar Koly
- King's College London, UK
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
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Schlebusch L, Chambers N, Rosenstein D, Erasmus P, de Vries PJ. Supporting caregivers of children with developmental disabilities: Findings from a brief caregiver well-being programme in South Africa. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:199-214. [PMID: 36352758 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221133182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Young children with developmental disabilities and delays who live in low- and middle-income countries are at significant risk of not reaching their full potential. We know that daily interactions with their caregivers (parents or other people taking care of them) play an important role in promoting their development. However, having a child with developmental disabilities can have a negative impact on carers' mental health and well-being, which in turn can influence their capacity to care for their children. To date, very little attention has been given to the caregivers' capacity to care. The World Health Organization developed a Caregiver Skills Training programme which includes a brief, three-session module that focuses on improving caregivers' well-being and mental health. This well-being programme is based on acceptance and commitment therapy. Acceptance and commitment therapy shows increasing evidence of helping people respond to their stressors, thoughts, feelings and experiences a little differently and commit to small changes that are in line with their personal values. Acceptance and commitment therapy has shown promise in improving feelings of well-being in caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. We adapted the World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training Caregiver well-being module to suit the South African context. The resultant 'Well Beans for Caregivers' was then delivered to caregivers from a rural, low-resource setting in South Africa. We found the intervention easy to implement, highly acceptable to caregivers and showed promising impacts on caregivers' well-being and mental health. This intervention has the potential to be implemented widely and sustainably to build caregivers' capacity to care for their children.
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Brain Health in Children: Advocacy and Engaging Stakeholders. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2023; 35:114-118. [PMID: 36745172 DOI: 10.1097/ana.0000000000000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Wong PWC, Lam YY, Lau JSP, Fok HK. Adapting and pretesting the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Program for children with autism and developmental disorders or delays in Hong Kong. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16932. [PMID: 36209285 PMCID: PMC9547914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training Program (WHO-CST) was developed to strengthen caregivers' skills in supporting children with developmental delays and the caregivers' well-being. The WHO-CST Hong Kong (HK) was adapted, and pre-pilot tested to support families with children suspected of having developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder and to empower the caregivers to foster their children's learning, social communication, and adaptive behavior. A sequential mixed-methods research methodology was undertaken to examine the adaptation process and initial implementation experiences. The acceptability, feasibility, and perceived benefits of the WHO-CST were assessed using stakeholders' and caregivers' qualitative and caregivers' quantitative pre- and post-intervention feedback. The data included materials generated from (1) three consultation meetings with stakeholders; (2) detailed reviews of the translated and adapted WHO-CST materials by master trainees (n = 10) trained by the WHO-CST representatives; (3) needs assessment focus group interviews with caregivers (n = 15) of children with autism spectrum disorder; and (4) pre- and post-CST program qualitative focus group interviews and quantitative evaluation. Consultation with stakeholders suggested that the program was acceptable for the local community, but the home visit and fidelity components were initially considered to be challenges towards the feasibility and sustainability of the program. Caregivers in the needs assessment focus groups gave widely diverse views about the program's uniqueness, length, delivery mode, and the inclusion of videotaping in-home visits. Post-intervention comments by caregivers about the program were mainly positive, while the MTs were critical of the content and length of the training and fidelity process. As one of the first high-income locations to adopt the WHO-CST, the evaluation findings of the WHO-CST-HK indicate that it is feasible and acceptable to implement the program in a metropolitan area where families have busy work schedules and are very conscious of privacy issues. The study results suggest that the WHO-CST program in HK and other high-income countries require scaling up and further evaluation of its implementation in real community settings. This involves systemic and contextual changes to allow task-sharing between professionals and non-specialists at the macro level. Furthermore, technology should be used to support the supervision of non-specialists. In addition, easier access to the WHO-CST materials at the micro level is required to ensure equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion of diversified families of children with developmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wai-Ching Wong
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757The Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Room 511, 5/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757The Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Yan-Yin Lam
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757The Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Janet Siu-Ping Lau
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757The Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
| | - Hung-Kit Fok
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757The Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
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Montiel-Nava C, Tregnago M, Marshall J, Sohl K, Curran AB, Mahurin M, Warne-Griggs M, Dixon P. Implementing the WHO caregivers skills training program with caregivers of autistic children via telehealth in rural communities. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:909947. [PMID: 36101706 PMCID: PMC9464274 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For families with autistic children living in rural areas, limited access to services partly results from a shortage of providers and extensive travel time. Telehealth brings the possibility of implementing alternative delivery modalities of Parent Mediated Interventions (PMIs) with the potential to decrease barriers to accessing services. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the World Health Organization-Caregivers Skills Training program (WHO-CST) via an online, synchronous group format in rural Missouri. Methods We used a mixed methods design to collect qualitative and quantitative data from caregivers and program facilitators at baseline and the end of the program, following the last home visit. Caregivers of 14 autistic children (3-7 years), residents of rural Missouri, completed nine virtual sessions and four virtual home visits. Results Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: changes resulting from the WHO-CST, beneficial aspects of the program, advantages and disadvantages of the online format, and challenges to implementing the WHO-CST via telehealth. The most liked activity was the demonstration (36%), and the least liked was the practice with other caregivers. From baseline to week 12, communication skills improved in both frequency (p < 0.05) and impact (p < 0.01), while atypical behaviors decreased (p < 0.01). For caregivers' outcomes, only confidence in skills (p < 0.05) and parental sense of competence (p < 0.05) showed a positive change. Conclusion Our results support the feasibility of implementing the WHO-CST program via telehealth in a US rural setting. Caregivers found strategies easy to follow, incorporated the program into their family routines, and valued the group meetings that allowed them to connect with other families. A PMI such as the WHO-CST, with cultural and linguistic adaptations and greater accessibility via telehealth-plays an essential role in closing the treatment gap and empowering caregivers of autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Montiel-Nava
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-Edinburg, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Kristin Sohl
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- ECHO Autism Communities, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Alicia Brewer Curran
- ECHO Autism Communities, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Melissa Mahurin
- ECHO Autism Communities, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Melissa Warne-Griggs
- Missouri Telehealth Network, School of Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - WHO CST Team
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Godoy PBG, Shephard E, Argeu A, Silveira LR, Salomone E, Aldred C, Green J, Polanczyk GV, Matijasevich A. Social communication therapy for children at risk for neurodevelopmental difficulties: Protocol for a clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1514:104-115. [PMID: 35506888 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse environments are risk factors for neurodevelopmental problems in childhood. Children exposed to such environments may benefit from interventions that target social communication abilities, since these are protective factors for healthy neurodevelopment. This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) in improving social communication development in young children at risk for neurodevelopmental difficulties living in poverty in Brazil. Participants will be 160 children aged 2-4 years with lower-than-average social communication abilities and their primary caregivers. Child-caregiver dyads will be recruited from public childhood education centers in impoverished urban regions of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Lower-than-average social communication abilities will be defined by standard scores (≤84) on the socialization and/or communication domains of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Child-caregiver dyads will be randomized to receive 12 sessions of the PACT intervention (n = 80) or 5 months of community support as usual plus psychoeducation (n = 80). The primary outcome (parent-child interaction) and secondary outcomes (parent-reported social communication abilities and neurophysiological activity during a live social interaction) will be measured pre- and postintervention. This study may lead to new interventions for vulnerable young children in Brazil and better understanding of the neural mechanisms of PACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla B G Godoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Shephard
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adriana Argeu
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia R Silveira
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erica Salomone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Catherine Aldred
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Guilherme V Polanczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Naithani L, Goldie C, Kaur A, Butter C, Lakhera S, Leadbitter K, Divan G. Early Autism Intervention Components Deliverable by Non-specialists in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:914750. [PMID: 35845443 PMCID: PMC9277121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.914750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The past decade has seen key advances in early intervention for autistic children in high-income countries, with most evidence based on specialist delivery of interventions. The care gap seen in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remains close to 100%. A key challenge in addressing this care gap concerns the paucity of specialists available to deliver services. Task-sharing provides an important potential solution; there is a need to identify interventions that are suitable for scaled-up delivery through task-sharing in low-resourced settings. We aimed to conduct a scoping review to identify studies which reported autism intervention delivered by non-specialists within LMIC and, using established frameworks, specify intervention components with evidence of successful non-specialist delivery. Methods A scoping literature search, conducted within four databases, generated 2,535 articles. Duplicates were removed, followed by screening of titles and abstracts, with 10% double-rated for reliability. 50 full text articles were then screened independently by two raters. Articles were included if studies: (a) were conducted in LMIC; (b) included samples of autistic children (age < 10); (c) evaluated psycho-social interventions delivered by non-specialists; (d) reported child outcomes; and (e) were peer-reviewed full-texts in English. Two established frameworks - @Practicewise and NDBI-Fi framework - were then used to ascertain the commonly delivered components of these interventions. Results Two studies met the inclusion criteria. Both studies evaluated parent-mediated interventions delivered by non-specialists in South Asia. Through the two frameworks, we identified elements and techniques that had been delivered successfully by non-specialists. Conclusion There is evidence from two acceptability and feasibility trials that non-specialists can be trained to deliver some intervention elements and techniques within parent-mediated interventions, with good fidelity and acceptability and evidence of effectiveness. The review points up the lack of a widespread evidence base in this area and need for further research in low resourced settings, including well-powered trials and mechanistic analyses to identify active ingredients. A focus on the pre-requisites for non-specialist delivery is critical to reduce inequity and provide universal health coverage within resource-constrained health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Goldie
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charlotte Butter
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kathy Leadbitter
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Glumbic N, Grujicic R, Stupar S, Petrovic S, Pejovic-Milovancevic M. Positive Effects of the Caregiver Skill Training Program on Children With Developmental Disabilities: Experiences From Serbia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:913142. [PMID: 35722584 PMCID: PMC9203722 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.913142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities increasingly target caregiver training to implement effective strategies for child development. Research conducted in different countries shows that the Caregiver Skills Training Program (CST) developed by the World Health Organization and Autism Speaks could also be a recommended intervention. METHODS The pre-pilot phase included seven, and the pilot phase included 29 families of children with developmental disabilities trained to implement the intervention program. The caregivers were asked to complete the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist at the beginning and at the end of the program. RESULTS In the pre-pilot phase, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test determined a statistically significant improvement in Speech, Language and Communication (z = -2.99, p < 0.05) and Health/Physical/Behavior (z = -2.375, p < 0.05) after caregiver participation in the training program. In the pilot phase, the paired t-test also determined a statistically significant improvement in Speech, Language and Communication between the first (M = 24.52, SD = 5.57) and the second testing (M = 25.66, SD = 6.11), t(28) = -2.29, p < 0.05, as well as a significant improvement between the first (M = 36.62; SD = 7.15) and the second testing (M = 35.38; SD = 5.91), t(28) = 2.11, p < 0.05 in Health/Physical/Behavior. Eta squared values (0.16 and 0.14) indicate that the intervention effect was significant. No differences were determined in Sociability and Sensory/Cognitive Awareness between the first and the second testing. CONCLUSION The initial results of the Caregiver Skills Training Program are encouraging. For this program to be recommended as an evidence-based intervention, further research should be conducted on larger samples, controlling possible intervening variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad Glumbic
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Roberto Grujicic
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Stupar
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Milica Pejovic-Milovancevic
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Pacione L. Telehealth-delivered caregiver training for autism: Recent innovations. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:916532. [PMID: 36620655 PMCID: PMC9811175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.916532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing treatment to children with autism is a global health priority, and research demonstrates that caregivers can be trained in techniques to promote their child's social interaction, communication, play, positive behavior and skills. These caregiver-mediated interventions have been shown to promote a number of positive outcomes in children with autism, as well as their caregivers. When provided by telehealth, data indicate that caregiver training is acceptable and feasible, and associated with similar positive outcomes as live face-to-face training. Telehealth innovations, which have accelerated during the COVID-19 era, have demonstrated advantages over in-person delivery of services in terms of cost effectiveness and increased accessibility, however, more research is needed on feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness for different populations in different contexts. This brief review will highlight recent caregiver skills training interventions for autism that have been successfully adapted or designed for telehealth delivery. Telehealth interventions that are scalable, adaptable, caregiver-mediated, open-access, and delivered as part of a stepped care model, have the potential to address the global treatment gap for families of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Considerations relevant to the global scale-up of caregiver-mediated interventions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pacione
- Division of Child and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Seng GJ, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Lin HY, Li SC, Hsiao MN, Liu TJ, Chen HM, Shih A, Chang YC, Who Cst Team, Soong WT. Promotion and implementation effectiveness of World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training program in Taiwan. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:904380. [PMID: 36117658 PMCID: PMC9470946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.904380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Caregiver Skills Training for Families of Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities (CST) with support from Autism Speaks to address the resource gaps and worldwide needs for interventions for children with developmental disorders or delays, especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their families. Evidence has indicated that parent-mediated interventions benefit both caregivers and children by strengthening caregivers' knowledge and confidence and children's social communication skills and behavioral regulation. The CST-Taiwan team began the prepilot field trial in 2017 and developed the project to serve families in various locations. This study (1) delineated the adaptations and promotion of CST-Taiwan; (2) determined the program's effectiveness in the promotional stage, in terms of caregiver and child outcomes, and (3) examined the maintenance of its effects. The materials, delivery, and facilitator training procedure of the original CST were adapted to Taiwan. The quantitative data indicated that CST-Taiwan is a promising program, it positively affected caregiver knowledge and confidence and reduced the severity of the children's autistic symptoms. The 3-month follow-up results suggested that the effects persisted. Thus, CST-Taiwan, and its promotional strategies are feasible and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Su-Chen Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ni Hsiao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tseng-Jung Liu
- Foundation for Autistic Children and Adults in Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Man Chen
- Foundation for Autistic Children and Adults in Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Special Education, National Taipei University of Education, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andy Shih
- Autism Speaks, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Ya-Chih Chang
- Department of Special Education and Counseling, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Who Cst Team
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wei-Tsuen Soong
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Lau JSP, Lai SMK, Ip FTS, Wong PWC, Team WC, Servili C, Salomone E, Pacione L, Shire S, Brown FL. Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) delivered via eLearning, videoconferencing, and in-person hybrid modalities in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:915263. [PMID: 36172515 PMCID: PMC9511500 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.915263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local children with developmental disabilities were deprived of learning opportunities due to recent social and health incidents, resulting in elevating challenging behaviors and familial conflicts. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery modes under new normal and post COVID-19 period. METHOD CST was delivered via eLearning (EL), videoconferencing (VC), and in-person hybrid (IP) modes to 34 parent-child dyads, being randomly assigned to modes of asynchronous non-interfering EL (n = 9), synchronous with online coaching VC (n = 7), synchronous with in-person coaching IP (n = 9) and Wait-list Control WLC (n = 9). Data from two standardized scales of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Post-session and Home Visit Feedback Form by Caregivers that included both structured and open-ended questions were collected before and after intervention. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in studying the collected data. RESULTS High levels of acceptability and feasibility of the training programme were supported by ratings on comprehensiveness and relevance, agreement with their personal values, duration, and usefulness. IP and VC groups yielded more positive changes than EL and WLC groups with 3, 16, 13, and -3% in General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), -13, -15, -6 and 0% in Difficulties-total, and 36.5, 35.5, 5.8 and 2.4% in Prosocial Scale at Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for EL, VC, IP, and WLC groups respectively from baseline to 12 weeks after intervention. Results from two standardized scales echoed with qualitative observations that the programme helped improve caregivers' well-being, child's communication, and behaviors across intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS Current findings revealed that CST delivered in three alternative modes were acceptable and feasible, and yielded positive impacts toward both caregivers and children. In-person coaching, and skill-practicing sessions were effective in mitigating child's challenging behaviors while personal interaction, either face-to-face or virtual, is a significant factor in uplifting caregivers' well-being, whereas the self-learning model was appreciated by the busy caregivers. In clinical practice, needs and goals of families and the constraints of remote interventions at the settings should be balanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Siu-Ping Lau
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,WHO CST Regional Technical Focal Point, Geneva, Switzerland
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- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erica Salomone
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,The University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pacione
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Child and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Felicity L Brown
- Research and Development Department, War Child Holland, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Sengupta K, Shah H, Ghosh S, Sanghvi D, Mahadik S, Dani A, Deshmukh O, Pacione L, Dixon P, Salomone E, Servili C. World Health Organisation-Caregiver Skills Training (WHO-CST) Program: Feasibility of Delivery by Non-Specialist Providers in Real-world Urban Settings in India. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 53:1444-1461. [PMID: 34853959 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization-Caregiver Skills Training Program, a parent-mediated early intervention facilitated by non-specialist providers piloted in urban India was evaluated using mixed-methods for feasibility and effects on child and caregiver outcomes. Caregivers (n = 22) of children (2-9 years) with social-communication delays participated in a single-group pre-post study. High rates of caregiver attendance, improved caregiver fidelity, and facilitator competency suggested program feasibility. Caregivers voiced acceptability of various intervention-components. The intervention was associated with improved caregiver-reported skills and knowledge (p < 0.00), reduction in stress (p = 0.03), improved child developmental outcomes on communication and social interaction (p < 0.00), and adaptive behaviors (p < 0.00). Challenges about logistics and availability of time were highlighted. Implications of results in resource-poor settings and recommendations for future feasibility trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyeli Sengupta
- Autism Intervention Services, Ummeed Child Development Center, Ground Floor, Mantri Pride, 1-B, 1/62 N.M. Joshi Marg, Subhash Nagar, Near Chinchpokli Station, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400011, India.
| | - Henal Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, T. N. Medical College & BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Subharati Ghosh
- Research Insights and Innovation, Population Health and Safety, SEIU 775 Benefits Group, Seattle, USA
| | - Disha Sanghvi
- Autism Intervention Services, Ummeed Child Development Center, Ground Floor, Mantri Pride, 1-B, 1/62 N.M. Joshi Marg, Subhash Nagar, Near Chinchpokli Station, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400011, India
| | - Sanchita Mahadik
- Autism Intervention Services, Ummeed Child Development Center, Ground Floor, Mantri Pride, 1-B, 1/62 N.M. Joshi Marg, Subhash Nagar, Near Chinchpokli Station, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400011, India
| | - Allauki Dani
- Department of Psychiatry, T. N. Medical College & BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Oshin Deshmukh
- Autism Intervention Services, Ummeed Child Development Center, Ground Floor, Mantri Pride, 1-B, 1/62 N.M. Joshi Marg, Subhash Nagar, Near Chinchpokli Station, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400011, India
| | - Laura Pacione
- Division of Child and Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pamela Dixon
- Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Erica Salomone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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16
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Salomone E, Settanni M, McConachie H, Suma K, Ferrara F, Foletti G, Salandin A, Servili C, Adamson LB. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training in Public Health Services in Italy. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4286-4300. [PMID: 34677755 PMCID: PMC9508213 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with ASD (N = 86; mean age 44.8 months; 67 boys) were randomized to either WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) delivered in public health settings in Italy or enhanced treatment-as-usual. Primary blinded outcomes were 3-months post-intervention change scores of autism severity and engagement during caregiver-child interaction. CST was highly acceptable to caregivers and feasibly delivered by trained local clinicians. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a large and significant effect on parent skills supporting joint engagement and a smaller significant effect on flow of interaction. Expected changes in child autism severity and joint engagement did not meet statistical significance. Analysis of secondary outcomes showed a significant effect on parenting stress, self-efficacy, and child gestures. Strategies to improve the effectiveness of CST are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Salomone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Helen McConachie
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katharine Suma
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Giulia Foletti
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lauren B Adamson
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Geogia, USA
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