E-coaching for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects children's development, posing a significant challenge in pediatric healthcare. Early parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) aim to improve a child's social communication skills through joint engagement in daily activities. However, widespread access to this type of intervention is heavily limited due to implementation barriers and logistical challenges. The use of technology may offer promising alternatives to reach more families. This randomized controlled trial will assess the efficacy of an innovative e-coaching program designed to provide parents of young children with ASD with effective strategies via an online learning platform combined with personalized debriefings. It will compare e-coaching to standard Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy and to the absence of a PMI, with all three arms combined with community assistance as usual, in a cohort of 99 families with preschool children with ASD. The primary outcome will be the quality of parent–child interaction, measured through behavioral assessments and simultaneous dual gaze recording with head-mounted eye-tracking during semi-structured standardized play sessions. Secondary outcomes will include the child's developmental level and parental well-being. If validated, e-coaching could be disseminated to reach more families and have a positive impact on their quality of life.