Predictors of Parent Engagement in Part C Early Intervention for Autism: The Role of Single Parenthood and Initial Motivation
Saved in:
| Title: | Predictors of Parent Engagement in Part C Early Intervention for Autism: The Role of Single Parenthood and Initial Motivation |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hannah Tokish (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. --1291 2026 30(5):1278-1278. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | R01MH12272501 R01MH12272601 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Predictor Variables, Parent Participation, Early Intervention, One Parent Family, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Equal Education, Students with Disabilities, Psychological Characteristics, Stress Variables, Self Efficacy, Motivation, Developmental Delays, Attendance, Child Rearing |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Parenting Stress Index |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261430568 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Parent engagement in early intervention supports child progress but is variable in community settings and understudied in autism populations. Prior studies have examined attendance and homework completion rather than parent participation engagement--active, independent, and responsive contribution to treatment--and it is unclear how these distinct engagement measures are related. This study examined how observationally-coded parent participation engagement during early intervention sessions, between-session practice, and attendance were interrelated in addition to the influence of sociodemographic (marital status, minoritized racial/ethnic identity, and education) and psychological characteristics (stress, self-efficacy, and motivation) on engagement. The sample included 164 parents of toddlers (16-34 months) with an autism diagnosis or early autism indicators (i.e. social communication delays) receiving services through the publicly funded Part C Early Intervention system in the United States, which serves children under 36 months with developmental delays and disabilities. Observed parent participation engagement, parent-reported between-session practice, and attendance were not significantly correlated. Only marital status significantly predicted observed parent participation engagement, such that single parents exhibited lower parent participation engagement. Low motivation predicted lower parent-reported between-session practice. No parent characteristics predicted session attendance. Results suggest that early intervention providers should consider multiple aspects of parent engagement that are influenced by different parent characteristics when assessing and promoting engagement to support child progress. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503144 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Parent engagement in early intervention supports child progress but is variable in community settings and understudied in autism populations. Prior studies have examined attendance and homework completion rather than parent participation engagement--active, independent, and responsive contribution to treatment--and it is unclear how these distinct engagement measures are related. This study examined how observationally-coded parent participation engagement during early intervention sessions, between-session practice, and attendance were interrelated in addition to the influence of sociodemographic (marital status, minoritized racial/ethnic identity, and education) and psychological characteristics (stress, self-efficacy, and motivation) on engagement. The sample included 164 parents of toddlers (16-34 months) with an autism diagnosis or early autism indicators (i.e. social communication delays) receiving services through the publicly funded Part C Early Intervention system in the United States, which serves children under 36 months with developmental delays and disabilities. Observed parent participation engagement, parent-reported between-session practice, and attendance were not significantly correlated. Only marital status significantly predicted observed parent participation engagement, such that single parents exhibited lower parent participation engagement. Low motivation predicted lower parent-reported between-session practice. No parent characteristics predicted session attendance. Results suggest that early intervention providers should consider multiple aspects of parent engagement that are influenced by different parent characteristics when assessing and promoting engagement to support child progress. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261430568 |
