A hypothetical model for investigating the influence of parents on the effectiveness of parent mediated support programmes for autistic children

Parents of autistic children are continually placed at the forefront of parent mediated support programmes (PMSPs) to support their children’s development and secure positive outcomes. Despite evidence of vast differences in the challenges that these parents face and the skills they have to deal with them, very little research has explored the broad range of parental psychosocial characteristics that may have an impact on PMSP outcomes. One approach to examining the importance of parental characteristics to PMSP outcomes is to first derive a hypothetical model based on what is known about the relationships between different parental characteristics and behavioural outcomes for the autistic child. A useful model should consider appropriate outcomes as well as potential moderating and mediating relationships which can ultimately be tested. Here, we present such a model. Moderators and mediators are proposed for examination based on empirical findings of relationships in the absence of PMSPs, in an attempt to be as inclusive as possible. The model is particularly novel in considering potential bi-directional relationships in parental skills that PMSPs can be adapted to improve, or may already improve, for example metacognitive skills or parental locus of control. Based on the premise that supporting autistic children through PMSPs should start with formulating plans to adequately support parent participants acting as primary agents of change, we hope this model will act as a starting point for researchers to investigate ways in which PMSPs can be adapted to support parental change and thus enhance PMSP outcomes for autistic children. • Model proposes novel approach to examining the importance of parental characteristics to parent-mediated support programmes. • Potential bi-directional relationships in parental skills that parentmediated support programmes could be adapted to improve. • Innovative parent centric model on the importance of examining parents as unique individuals and lead deliverers of support.