A brief telehealth parent training for children with autism spectrum disorder and sleep disturbances: A pilot study

Abstract

Background Parent-mediated telehealth interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in managing sleep disturbances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Objectives This study aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a brief telehealth parent training program designed for children with ASD experiencing sleep disturbances. Methods This open-label trial involved 50 children aged 3 to 12 years with ASD and sleep issues. Participants underwent a four-session group telehealth parent training program targeting sleep disturbances, chronotype regulation, behavioral difficulties, and parent quality of life. A follow-up phone session was conducted one month after the intervention. Results Post-intervention analysis revealed a significant improvement in the parent-reported sleep questionnaire for children with ASD (Cohen's d = 0.64). Sleep logs indicated a statistically significant enhancement in sleep efficiency (Cohen's d = −0.52). The parent-reported chronotype questionnaire showed significant changes at the one-month follow-up (Cohen's d = 0.48). No significant differences were observed regarding behavioral difficulties. Improvements in parent-reported health-related quality of life were noted (Cohen's d = −0.79 post-intervention; Cohen's d = −1.15 at one-month follow-up). Treatment fidelity was high, and participant satisfaction was elevated, reflecting perceived effectiveness and favorable cost-benefit ratio. Conclusions The brief telehealth parent training intervention demonstrates potential in improving sleep issues and regulating chronotype in children with ASD, with promising results in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.