Content analysis of parent training programs for children with neurodisabilities and mental health or behavioral problems: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose

Several systematic reviews have examined parent training programs for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present review expands on this literature by describing the components, delivery methods, and level of parent involvement in parent training programs that target families of children with any neurodisability and comorbid disruptive behavior or other mental health problem.

Materials and methods

Following a scoping review protocol, the search strategy included randomized controlled trials of parent training programs conducted with families of children with neurodisabilities and comorbid disruptive behavior or mental health problems. Study characteristics, program content, delivery methods, and theoretical frameworks were extracted from eligible studies.

Results

A total of 22 articles were included from the 453 full-text articles initially screened. Thirteen different programs fell into two general categories based on whether they targeted child disruptive behavior or anxiety. Analysis of the content yielded five themes: child skill enhancement, parenting as enacted, parenting as experienced, disability-related parenting, and parent–child relationships. The theoretical underpinnings were identified, when possible, from each study.

Conclusions

Parent training programs for parents of children with neurodisabilities targeting child anxiety involved parents in a complementary role in treatment while those targeting disruptive behavior involved parents in a primary role in creating behavior change. We suggest that the extent of parent involvement in interventions be guided by theory rather than diagnosis of the child.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Parents of children living with neurodisabilities play a key role in delivering interventions to address comorbid mental health or behavioral problems.

• Parent training programs for families of children with neurodisabilities vary in relation to their aims, involvement of parents in delivering interventions, disability-specific content, and delivery methods.

• When referring families, rehabilitation professionals should be aware of aspects of child, parent, and family relational well-being targeted by parent training programs and, when feasible, give families a choice of the style of program to meet their needs.

Keywords:

• Neurodisability
• neurodevelopmental disorder
• autism spectrum disorder
• intellectual disability
• family intervention
• parent training

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the work of Anna Huguet, Lisandra Almeida, Connor Spencer, Caitlin Salvino, Karen Turner, and Greg Zwaagstra who contributed the initial concept and search process for this review.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the CHILD-BRIGHT Research Network (https://www.child-bright.ca/); the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé.