Resiliency Intervention for Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Pilot Trial.
Acad Pediatr 2023;
23:1187-1195. [PMID:
36460184 DOI:
10.1016/j.acap.2022.11.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /OBJECTIVES
Neurotypical siblings (NT siblings) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated risk for emotional distress and adjustment problems. Resiliency is the ability to cope and adapt with ongoing stressors. We conducted a randomized waitlist-controlled pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adapted virtual mind-body resiliency group intervention for teen NT siblings of children with ASD.
METHODS
We modified the Stress Management and Resiliency Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NT siblings of children with ASD (SibChat). We randomly assigned teens (aged 14-17) to immediate intervention (IG) versus waitlist control (WLC). The intervention included eight 60-minute weekly video conference group sessions. We assessed feasibility (enrollment, attendance, and retention) and acceptability (post treatment survey and weekly relaxation response practice). We explored group differences in pre-post change scores for 1) stress coping (Measure of Current Status-A) and 2) resiliency (Current Experiences Scale) using independent samples t tests and effect size calculations.
RESULTS
We enrolled 83% of screened eligible teens. A total of 90% IG and 75% WLC participants attended at least 6/8 sessions. Among IG participants who completed the post treatment survey, 79% reported practicing relaxation response exercises at least "a few times a week". Comparing change in baseline to time 1, the IG showed better relative changes than the WLC group in stress coping (d = 0.60) and resiliency (d = 0.24).
CONCLUSIONS
Our pilot trial showed promising feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of SibChat on at least one of the 2 primary outcomes supporting further testing of the SibChat intervention.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
US National Library of Medicine.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT04369417. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04369417.
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