ACT-based interventions for reducing psychological distress in parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders: Recommendations for higher education programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Caregivers of children with disabilities experience reduced psychological wellbeing. In existing evidence-based treatments for parents, the parental emotional struggles are often poorly addressed. In this paper, we present Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a contextual cognitive behavioural model, based on behaviour analysis, which may be particularly helpful for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism. In fact, ACT may reduce the psychological inflexibility associated with parental distress, and unhelpful strategies for the management of reactive grief. We also present: a narrative review of the current literature about ACT in the field of parent support and ACT-intervention programs and study protocols from Italy and Sweden, which have been developed to support parents of children with ASD, ADHD and other disabilities. The importance of extending ACT interventions to parents of children with disabilities is discussed, and recommendations are made for future training and research in higher education.