Parents matter: Parent acceptance of school-based executive functions interventions relates to improved child outcomes

Authors

Leah B. Rothschild, Department of Psychology, Asbury Building, American University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Allison B. Ratto, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Lauren Kenworthy, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Kristina K. Hardy, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Alyssa Verbalis, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Cara Pugliese, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
John F. Strang, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Jonathan Safer-Lichtenstein, Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Bruno J. Anthony, Department of Psychiatry, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Laura G. Anthony, Department of Psychiatry, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Madison M. Guter, Department of Psychology, Asbury Building, American University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
David A. Haaga, Department of Psychology, Asbury Building, American University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-8-2022

Journal

Journal of clinical psychology

DOI

10.1002/jclp.23309

Keywords

acceptability; cultural adaptation; neurodevelopmental disorders; parent training; treatment engagement

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: School-based interventions with parent-training components might improve access among lower-income families to effective help for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This potential might be realized, however, only if parents perceive the interventions as acceptable and therefore engage with treatment. METHODS: Parents (N = 124) of 3rd-5th grade students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder rated the acceptability of their child's treatment (one of two culturally responsive behavioral interventions). Parent engagement was measured through attendance at parent training sessions and the extent to which they read a corresponding workbook. RESULTS: Education and income correlated inversely with parent perceptions of treatment acceptability. Acceptability correlated positively with engagement, more strongly among lower-income families. Acceptability had an indirect effect on treatment outcome, mediated by parent engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment providers should focus on strategies to increase parent acceptability, with particular attention to improving access for lower-income families.

APA Citation

Rothschild, Leah B.; Ratto, Allison B.; Kenworthy, Lauren; Hardy, Kristina K.; Verbalis, Alyssa; Pugliese, Cara; Strang, John F.; Safer-Lichtenstein, Jonathan; Anthony, Bruno J.; Anthony, Laura G.; Guter, Madison M.; and Haaga, David A., "Parents matter: Parent acceptance of school-based executive functions interventions relates to improved child outcomes" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 274.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/274

Department

Pediatrics