Mental Health

‘Super Parenting’ Improves Children’s Autism, A Study Says

By Sumdima | Update Date: Oct 26, 2016 10:12 AM EDT

A long-term study published in the Lancet revealed that 'super parenting' can dramatically improve children's autism. The study focused on children with severe autism, who were often unable to talk and communicate with their parents.

In the study, experts trained parents on how to boost communication with their autistic child to gain remarkable results, from as early as the age of three. The training required parents to watch films of themselves while playing with their child while a therapist gave precise tips for helping their child communicate better.

Experts said the results of the study were "hugely cheering" as it coaxed kids to come out of their shells and reduced their hallmark symptoms of disorder, such as poor skill and repetitive behavior. They added that the earlier the start of the treatment, the better.

Researchers said that the study did not talk about 'poor parenting,' but focused rather on turning moms and dads into 'super parents.' Dr. Catherine Aldred, a consultant speech and language therapist with Stockport NHS Trust explained, "We're taking parent's interaction with the child and taking to a 'super' level, these children need more than 'good enough,' they need something exceptional."

In the trial, 152 families participated shortly after their children were diagnosed with autism around the age of three. Normally, autism gets worse with the progression of age in children. The study showed that in half of the families given usual therapies, 50 percent were severely autistic in the beginning and that figure predictably rose to 63 percent after six years.

However, in the families who were given intensive training, 55 percent of the children were severely autistic in the beginning and that number declined to 46 percent after six years.

The report's lead author, Prof. Jonathan Green from the University of Manchester said the results were 'extraordinary' and further added, "It suggests that what the parents have been able to embed into the family has sustained even after the end of the therapy which is really encouraging.

He, however, mentioned: "This is not a cure, in the sense that the children who demonstrated improvements will still show remaining symptoms." 

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