Adaptation and Implementation of a Multi-Family Group Psychoeducational Intervention for Parents of Children with Autism: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: A relatively small number of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of interventions designed to ameliorate family burden and to improve family functioning for families with a child with ASD. This study aims to investigate whether a long-term multi-family group psychoeducational intervention, originally developed for families including a member with a psychiatric disorder, can assist the parents of children with ASD to improve family functioning, support family rituals, and ease family burden; to understand the etiology, the characteristics, and treatment options for ASD; and to manage social and self-stigmatization. Method: We compared an intervention group (N = 3 couples—6 parents) with a waitlist control group (N = 3 couples—6 parents) by administering psychometric scales to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on (a) family functioning, (b) family rituals, and (c) family burden. Qualitative analysis of pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews assessed (a) the participants’ understanding of the nature, causes, and treatments for ASD and (b) the management of social and self-stigmatization in families with a child with ASD. Results: Quantitative pre- and post-test group comparisons, as well as qualitative thematic analysis, revealed significant decreases in all parameters under study for the treatment group. Conclusions: Our findings provide pilot evidence that long-term group psychoeducation, originally designed for families including a member with a psychiatric disorder, may provide an efficacious treatment choice toward improving the general functioning of families with a child with ASD. Systematic replications of this psychoeducational intervention merit attention.