Parents of Preschool Children with ASD: Stress, Burnout, Social Support and Beliefs in ABA during Initial Workshop Training

Background: There is considerable research supporting the effectiveness of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) for improving the intellectual, social, emotional, and adaptive functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The demand for ABA treatment is high; consequently many families are assigned to wait-lists for intervention. Starting ABA at younger ages is important for positive outcomes for children with ASD, thus, finding alternative ways for parents to access treatment for their children earlier is critical. Many parents want training to implement ABA with their own children, thereby providing behavioural interventions earlier. There has been some concern that intensive ABA training may be too stressful for parents. Alternatively, ABA training may have a positive impact on parents, providing benefits such as feelings of empowerment, increased social support, and reduced stress.

Objectives: To assess levels of stress, burnout, social support, and beliefs in ABA of parents/caregivers of preschool children with ASD as they attend a 2-day workshop on ABA.

Methods: Participants attended a 2-day ABA workshop at a preschool ASD treatment centre as part of a larger study on intensive 3-month parent ABA training. Participants were 14 parents/caregivers of preschool children with ASD (79% mothers), with a mean age of 31.7 years (range 26 – 60). Most had some college education or more (64%), and average family income was $57,000 (Canadian). Their children (92% boys) ranged in age from 34 to 43 months; 9 had diagnoses of ASD and 5 were highly suspected of ASD. All children were on wait lists for ABA, although some were receiving speech therapy or day care. Participants completed measures on stress, burnout, social support, empowerment, beliefs in ABA effectiveness, social desirability, and demographics.

Results: Four parents reported experiencing high stress, while 10 parents reported average stress levels. Two parents were at the burnout/very serious burnout level, 7 parents reported danger signs of burnout, and 5 parents were at a very low level of burnout. Most parents reported being satisfied in often receiving enough social support from family, other parents of children with ASD, and professionals. Twelve parents reported above average levels of empowerment. Thirteen of the 14 parents reported very high beliefs in the efficacy of ABA.

Conclusions: Some parents attending a 2-day workshop on ABA reported high levels of stress and burnout, although most felt satisfied that they had adequate social support and believed highly in the effectiveness of ABA. Attending a 2-day workshop on ABA is an initial step for parents as they seek treatment for their children. It is important to find effective ways to combine training in ABA and support for parents to reduce stress and burnout as they wait for treatment for their preschool children with ASD. Parents who participated in this study will be followed as they wait for intervention, complete a 3-month ABA training program, and implement ABA at home with their children.