Sibling Configuration as a Moderator of the Effectiveness of a Theory of Mind Training in Children with Autism: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Danielle M J de VeldAnke M ScheerenPatricia HowlinElske HoddenbachFleur MulderImke WolfSander BegeerPublished in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (2021)
This RCT investigated whether participants' sibling configuration moderated the effect of a Theory of Mind (ToM) intervention for children with autism. Children with autism aged 8-13 years (n = 141) were randomized over a waitlist control or treatment condition. Both having more siblings, as well as having an older sibling were related to better outcomes on measures of ToM-related behavior and social cognition, but not ToM knowledge or autistic features in general. The finding that these associations were limited to practical skills addressed in the intervention, seems to indicate that having more siblings and having an older sibling provides enhanced opportunities for children with autism to practice taught skills in the home environment.
Keyphrases
- intellectual disability
- autism spectrum disorder
- young adults
- healthcare
- randomized controlled trial
- primary care
- systematic review
- physical activity
- clinical trial
- type diabetes
- mental health
- open label
- skeletal muscle
- insulin resistance
- placebo controlled
- phase iii
- medical students
- weight loss
- replacement therapy
- virtual reality