Abstract
Background /Objectives
Neurotypical siblings (NT siblings) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
are at elevated risk for emotional distress and adjustment problems. Resiliency is
the ability to cope and adapt with ongoing stressors. We conducted a randomized waitlist-controlled
pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of
an adapted virtual mind-body resiliency group intervention for teen NT siblings of
children with ASD.
Methods
We modified the Stress Management and Resiliency Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency
Program for NT siblings of children with ASD (SibChat). We randomly assigned teens
(aged 14–17) to immediate intervention (IG) versus waitlist control (WLC). The intervention
included eight 60-minute weekly video conference group sessions. We assessed feasibility
(enrollment, attendance, and retention) and acceptability (post treatment survey and
weekly relaxation response practice). We explored group differences in pre-post change
scores for 1) stress coping (Measure of Current Status-A) and 2) resiliency (Current
Experiences Scale) using independent samples t tests and effect size calculations.
Results
We enrolled 83% of screened eligible teens. A total of 90% IG and 75% WLC participants
attended at least 6/8 sessions. Among IG participants who completed the post treatment
survey, 79% reported practicing relaxation response exercises at least “a few times
a week”. Comparing change in baseline to time 1, the IG showed better relative changes
than the WLC group in stress coping (d = 0.60) and resiliency (d = 0.24).
Conclusions
Our pilot trial showed promising feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy
of SibChat on at least one of the 2 primary outcomes supporting further testing of
the SibChat intervention.
Clinical Trial Registration
US National Library of Medicine. Registration number: NCT04369417. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04369417.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 29, 2022
Accepted:
November 3,
2022
Received:
August 24,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofFootnotes
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.
Identification
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 by Academic Pediatric Association
