Being a Parent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Strengths, Challenges and Adaptation of a Mentalization-based Parenting Program

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

In many individuals, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recognized and diagnosed late in adolescence or even in adulthood, despite the presence of long-standing impairments and distress. One area that has received little attention so far is research and interventions in clinical practice that relate to the experienced realities of parenthood for autistic adults or offer support in this context. The few existing research findings in this field suggest that parents with ASD might face specific challenges. At the same time, there is a lack of empirical research on the experiences autistic adults have with parenthood, whether they perceive a need for specific support services, and, if so, what those services should look like. To fill this research gap, this study aims to examine the mental health, needs, and strengths of parents with ASD. Particular focus will be given to parental stress and difficulties in the areas of mentalization and emotion regulation, which can increase the risk of psychological comorbidities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will investigate to what extent an already established parenting program or an adaptation thereof might be suitable to address the specific requirements of autistic parents and enhance their parenting skills.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Parents who fulfill the main diagnosis of ASD, including atypical autism (ICD-10: F84.1) and Asperger syndrome (ICD-10: F84.5)

• Age ≥ 18 years

• Have a child aged 0 to 6 years

• Parents without a lifetime main diagnosis of a psychiatric illness (ICD-10-GM-2016: F10 - F69)

• Age ≥ 18 years

• Have a child aged 0 to 6 years

• Matched to the study group in terms of age and gender

Locations
Other Locations
Germany
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
RECRUITING
Hamburg
Contact Information
Primary
Johannes Boettcher, Dr.
j.boettcher@uke.de
+49 152 22832379
Backup
Holger Zapf, Dr.
h.zapf@uke.de
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-09-01
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-10
Participants
Target number of participants: 184
Treatments
Autistic parents
Parents who fulfill the main diagnosis of ASD, which includes atypical autism (ICD-10: F84.1) and Asperger syndrome (ICD-10: F84.5), who are ≥ 18 years old and have a child aged 0 to 6 years are included.
Non-autistic parents
Parents are included who do not have a lifetime main diagnosis of a psychiatric illness (ICD-10-GM-2016: F10 - F69), who are ≥ 18 years old and have a child aged 0 to 6 years.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov