Effectiveness of Training Programs for Caregivers of Children With Autism: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To synthesize current research that evaluated caregiver training programs for children with autism.

METHOD: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed to conduct this systematic review. A literature search was performed using MeSH terms in the following databases: PubMed (n = 239), PsycINFO (n = 31), CINAHL (n = 390), and Scopus (n = 5,336). After screening and quality assessment review, data from a total of 24 articles were extracted for inclusion in the literature synthesis.

RESULTS

Of 24 studies reviewed, 22 reported a positive impact on caregiver knowledge, children's behavior, and social communication skills despite variation in training modalities and duration.

CONCLUSION

Caregiver training programs that integrated individualized instruction using applied behavioral analysis were found to be most effective in improving caregiver knowledge and skills, child behavior, and communication skills. Psychiatric-mental health nurses may use these findings to coordinate training programs or inform caregivers about this resource.