Effectiveness of Parent-Led Interventions for Autism and Other Developmental Disorders

Throughout the world, parents of children with special needs face challenges when looking for support for their child. Whether the issue is one of accessibility, affordability or effectiveness or a combination of these issues these challenges persist in developed and developing countries. However, there is now a substantial body of research that identifies parents as necessary partners in the therapy provided to their child. Engaging parents in therapies for children with special needs improves outcomes and can also address the issues of accessibility and affordability. In most cases, this assumes a family-centered approach, as parents must participate in goal setting and decision making to be active partners and effective co-therapists for their child. This paper reviews some of the literature that documents the efficacy of parent participation in clinical interventions for a developmental disorder, disability or mental health issue in a child. The studies identify benefits for the child and the entire family, supporting the use of the parent-led intervention model in a variety of settings.