Effectiveness of a training program among parents of preschool children with ASD in Tunisia: a randomized controlled trial

Raising a child with ASD is challenging and places substantial demands on parents. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally tailored psychoeducational parent training program (“Blue Hope”) delivered in three autism socio-educational centers in Tunisia. Parents of children with ASD aged 3–8 years were randomized to intervention (n=31) or control (n=31). The program comprised eight 120-minute sessions delivered via a hybrid format (face-to-face and online), with a 6‑month follow‑up. Compared with controls, the intervention significantly improved children’s communication and reduced behavior problems, with a significant positive difference at 6 months. Parental anxiety and depression also improved, with significant reductions at post-treatment and further gains at 6 months. Findings suggest the “Blue Hope” program is a cost‑effective, feasible option in low‑resource contexts and may inform development of parent training programs for ASD in Tunisia and similar settings.

Nihed Abid, Naoufel Gaddour, Sihem Hmissa