The effect of parental self efficacy on outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between parental self-efficacy (PSE), parent training involvement, and child behavioral outcomes following Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While ABA is an evidence-based intervention often implemented by clinicians, increasing attention has been given to the role of caregiver beliefs and involvement in shaping treatment success. Guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, this study assessed whether PSE or parent training frequency was more strongly associated with perceived child improvement. A total of 46 caregivers of children receiving ABA completed a one-time survey measuring self-efficacy, training participation, and their child’s functioning before and after intervention. Pearson and partial correlation analyses were used to test associations among variables. This study also examined the extent to which PSE served as a stronger predictor of child outcomes than parent involvement in training. Results showed a significant positive correlation between PSE and perceptions of post-intervention child outcomes, even after controlling for baseline functioning. In contrast, parent training involvement was not significantly associated with either PSE or child progress. These findings suggest that internal caregiver beliefs may play a more critical role in perceived treatment outcomes than participation metrics alone. Implications for ABA programs include greater emphasis on supporting parental confidence as a mechanism for promoting sustainable behavioral change.