Parent-Mediated Intervention Targeting Insistence on Sameness for Autistic Children

A Pilot Telehealth Parent-Mediated Intervention Targeting Insistence on Sameness for Autistic Children

This study will examine the potential effectiveness of a virtually delivered parent-mediated intervention for insistence on sameness behaviors in autism and investigate 1) whether caregivers can learn to deliver the adapted Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood emotions (SPACE) intervention for IS via telehealth and 2) whether children will show greater improvement in IS behaviors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 6:0 to 10:11 years at the time of consent
• diagnosed with ASD (based on history, review of available medical records including diagnostic testing completed by psychologist)
• IQ > or = 75 (based on history, review of available medical records)
• report three or more family accommodations for insistence on sameness based on screening measures
• English-speaking parent and youth able to consistently participate in study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• children with significant hearing, language or motor impairment
• unstable behavioral and pharmacological treatments (e.g., anxiety medication) to treat anxiety or IS behaviors prior to two months to the start of the study and no anticipated changes in treatments during the course of the trial
• caregivers who have participated in formal SPACE training
• concurrent psychosocial treatment for anxiety or Insistence on Sameness
• children who have a history of prominent school refusal, self-harm, or suicidal ideation