The Effects of Telemedicine Parent Training on Children and Adolescents With Autism: A Meta-Analysis.
Abstract
Background
Despite the growing demand for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions, access to specialized care remains limited, particularly in remote areas. Telemedicine parent training has emerged as a promising solution to bridge this gap, demonstrating the positive effects of telemedicine parent training interventions on children with ASD and their caregivers.
Methods
PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched until April 2025. Outcome scales included Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder (HSQ-ASD), Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI/SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (EIPSES), Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) and MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MCDI). Interventions comprised real-time video coaching, self-guided online modules and hybrid models combining telemedicine with in-person components.
Results
A total of 19 studies were included, involving 616 children. The results indicated that telemedicine parent training significantly improved the family environment (SMD = -0.56), reduced parenting stress (SMD = -0.56), enhanced parental self-efficacy (SMD = 0.46) and increased caregivers' confidence and competence (SMD = 0.48). Additionally, significant effects in improving interaction and adaptive behaviours in children with autism (SMD = 0.37) and enhancing communication abilities (SMD = 0.51).
Conclusion
The intervention model combining parent training with telemedicine can enhance communication skills in autistic children, reduce caregiver stress and improve self-efficacy while providing professional support to more families. TRIAL REGISTRATION This systematic review strictly adheres to the PRISMA guidelines and has been registered: PROSPERO 2025 CRD42025635889. Available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025635889.