Feasibility Controlled Trial of an 8-session Group Intervention for Siblings of Children Who Have ASD

Feasibility Controlled Trial of an 8-session Group Intervention for Siblings of Children Who Have ASD

A feasibility controlled trial of an eight-session group intervention for siblings of children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children will be recruited from a multi-academy trust of nine schools. Due to the on-going impact of COVID-19 restrictions, children will be allocated to the intervention condition (eight session support group) if they are physically attending school and to the control condition (receipt of a booklet) if they remain at home. Pre and post outcome measures will be completed by children and their parents in both research arms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 7-11 years old.
2. Must have a sibling who has a formal diagnosis of ASD.
3. Must be competent in the English language.
4. Must be in mainstream education.
5. Must be willing and able to engage in an eight-session group intervention (including being accompanied to and from the group by their parents/carers).
6. Must be registered with a GP and parental consent gained to inform the GP that the sibling is attending the group.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. If the sibling has a diagnosis of ASD themselves.
2. If there are any clear risk concerns (e.g. any thought or intent to harm self or others, involvement in court proceedings or with the criminal justice system).
3. If the sibling is currently receiving any other psychological treatment.
4. If the sibling has a learning disability or difficulty that will make it hard to access the group content and/or capacity to provide informed consent.