Autism is a developmental disease that typically manifests before the age of three in early childhood. All autism spectrum diseases impact a child’s capacity to connect and communicate with others, even if cases vary in severity.

A study discovered that parents who participate as treatment partners have a decrease in depression and develop self-control. According to a recent study, parents of autistic children benefit from behavioural therapy as well.

Cognitive behavioural therapy may be used to address the emotional or behavioural difficulties that about 70% of autistic children face.

According to researcher Jonathan Weiss, parents are typically in a different room learning about what their children are doing while they are with the therapist, but they are not actively involved.

“What makes our research special is what transpires when parents are involved as partners throughout the process. It’s becoming more and more clear that it benefits children with autism in particular, and we’ve now shown that it benefits their parents as well,” said Weiss, an associate professor of psychology at York University in Toronto.

Fifty-seven kids between the ages of 8 and 12 receiving cognitive behavioural therapy were included in the study. Their parents participated in the therapy, and they were diagnosed with autism but not intellectual disability.

Parents demonstrated improvements in depression, emotion management, and mindful parenting by the end of the trial.

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders recently published the findings online.

“The findings postulated that parents improved their abilities to handle their own emotions and to see themselves in a more positive light,” Weiss stated. Participating in therapy has helped parents become more aware of their parenting and all the good they do as parents.”

He continued, “The results demonstrate how crucial it is for medical professionals who treat autistic children to include their parents.”

“We are aware that, in addition to all the wonderful things that happen to parents of autistic children, they also go through a lot of distress. Therefore, we must attempt to decrease that if possible,” Weiss stated.