Effectiveness of Skills Training in Toddlers and Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Through Counseling and Coaching of Parents: A Pilot Study.

This work shows the results of four pilot studies conducted at the Regional Public Organization to Help Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) «Contact». Mothers of children of early age with ASD and other mental disorders have received help in the form of remote counseling-coaching within the competency-based approach. The evidences of the reliability, construct validity of the Child Competence Profile questionnaire for parents and the reliability of the Parental Competence Self-Assessment questionnaire was given. There were no significant differences in the improving of the overall competence of children between subgroups of children with autism who have received (N=10) and have not received (N=9) additional correctional assistance. A comparative study of the dynamics of general competence in children with childhood autism (N=9) and other general developmental disorders (N=5), including 5 measurements, showed a significant increase in general competence in both subgroups. The significant increase in the competence of mothers in these children also revealed.

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