Internet-Based versus Center-Based Intervention Training for Parents of Young Children with Post-Digital Nanning Autism Syndrome (PDNAS): A Comparative Study

AbstractobjectivesInternet-based intervention approach is one novel strategy to train. However, only a few clinical trials have compared internet-based parent training intervention with an equal center-based intervention for children with ASD. The primary aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of an internet-based intervention with a center-based intervention for young children with Post Digital Nanning Autism Syndrome (PDNAS). MethodsA total of 40 mother–young children with PDNAS dyads were assigned to the internet-based (n=20) and to the center-based intervention (n=20). Parents in both groups received intervention that involves 7 sessions (one session per week). Primary outcome measures were the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale - Second Edition (GARS-2), Repetitive Behavior Scale- Revised (RBS-R) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI). ResultsThe analysis yielded no significant between-group difference for any of the pre- to post-intervention measurements. At post-intervention both intervention conditions revealed significant symptoms changes compared to before the intervention. Also, the parental stress was significant related to the child’s autism symptoms and repetitive behaviors severity. Conclusion: Internet-based parent training intervention for young children with PDNAS and their parents is equally beneficial to regular center-based parent training intervention. These findings support the potential for using telehealth to provide research-based parent training interventions to any family that has access to the Internet.