Effect of incredible years autism spectrum and language delays (IY-ASD) program on stress and behavioral management skills among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Palestine

Abstract

Purpose: This study purposed to evaluate the effect of the Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASD) program in reducing parents' stress and improving aggressive and disruptive behaviors in the parents among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Palestine. Design and methods: A one-group pre-post-test design was used. Thirty-four parents who enrolled in the Palestinian Child Institute in Nablus were recruited. Results: Findings revealed a significant difference between parents' total stress pre and post-IY-ASD (t = 1.2, p < 0.01 and parents' behavioral management skills toward their children with autism spectrum disorder. The study demonstrated that the IY-ASD program for 16 sessions reduced stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Palestine and improved aggressive and disruptive behaviors in the parents. Conclusion: The IY-ASD program can be successfully implemented for parents of this cohort group. Practice implications: Healthcare providers can adopt such a program for enhancing parenting roles with their children experiencing autism spectrum disorder.