A Literature Review of Theoretical Perspectives Toward Parent- Mediated Behavioural Intervention for Autistic Children
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Abstract
Autistic children exhibit disabilities in social interaction and communication along with the presence of repetitive, restricted and stereotyped behaviours. Autistic person demonstrates high rates of developing challenging behaviours that result in social rejection, exclusion from community settings, emotional distress and limitation to access to quality education settings. Articles that review parent-mediated behavioural intervention in managing challenging behaviours of autistic children at home settings are scarce. Hence, this literature review aims to provide insights into the theoretical perspectives that supported the behavioural intervention implemented by parents to manage the challenging behaviours of autistic children. Published articles between 2008 and 2023 were retrieved from an extensive database search. Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Five themes emerged from the review with regards to theoretical perspective toward parent-mediated behavioural intervention: (1) Parents’ characteristics, mindset and mental health; (2) Parents practice of the scaffolding teaching method; (3) Parents practice of the behavioural modification techniques; (4) Parent-child secure attachment relationship; and (5) Parents acting as behaviour change agents. The findings emphasise that parents are considered the primary intervention agents and highlight the importance of parental involvement in facilitating parent-mediated behavioural intervention to support their child’s learning and development. To conclude, this review suggests cost-effective parent-mediated behavioural intervention training to be developed to include supporting the mindfulness of parents, in addition to target intervention for autistic children as part of a comprehensive intervention programme for both parents and children.
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