Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand

Introduction The management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a varied and comprehensive range of support services at various stages of an autistic individual’s life. In Thailand, parents/legal guardians of children with ASD often encounter challenges such as difficulty travelling from rura...

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Main Authors: Duangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon, Samai Sirithongthaworn, Vallop Thaineua, Siripon Kanshana, Athithan Sriminipun, Suchitporn Lersilp, Kewalin Panyo, Kansinee Changsom, Mallika Panyaphab, Pimwarat Srikummoon, Salinee Thumronglaohapun, Natthanidnan Sricharoen, Patrinee Traisathit
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2025-07-01
Series:BMJ Open
Online Access:https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e095359.full
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author Duangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon
Samai Sirithongthaworn
Vallop Thaineua
Siripon Kanshana
Athithan Sriminipun
Suchitporn Lersilp
Kewalin Panyo
Kansinee Changsom
Mallika Panyaphab
Pimwarat Srikummoon
Salinee Thumronglaohapun
Natthanidnan Sricharoen
Patrinee Traisathit
author_facet Duangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon
Samai Sirithongthaworn
Vallop Thaineua
Siripon Kanshana
Athithan Sriminipun
Suchitporn Lersilp
Kewalin Panyo
Kansinee Changsom
Mallika Panyaphab
Pimwarat Srikummoon
Salinee Thumronglaohapun
Natthanidnan Sricharoen
Patrinee Traisathit
author_sort Duangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon
collection DOAJ
description Introduction The management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a varied and comprehensive range of support services at various stages of an autistic individual’s life. In Thailand, parents/legal guardians of children with ASD often encounter challenges such as difficulty travelling from rural areas to access support services. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention programme for caregivers of children with ASD called the Thai Early Intervention for Autism—Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC), designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team.Method and analysis 160 children and their caregivers are being recruited. They will be randomised 1:1 into two treatment arms: access to TEI4A-ATC for the intervention group and standard care for the control group. Before enrolment, ASD diagnosis will be conducted using the Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale: children’s ASD scores will be determined using the Thai Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist for evaluating communication, sociability and sensory/cognitive awareness and the Thai Early Developmental Assessment for Intervention for evaluating motor skills, social interaction, language development and problem-solving. Both assessment tools will be used again after 3 months of treatment. Similarly, the caregivers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) for ASD care will be assessed using a questionnaire at enrolment and again after treatment. Comparison of the children’s ASD scores and caregivers’ KAP responses between the treatment groups and before and after treatment will be performed based on the intention-to-treat principle.Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee for Mental Health and Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health (DMH.IRB.COA 037/2565). Written informed consent will be obtained from the participants prior to enrolment. The study’s findings may be disseminated through scientific publications and conference presentations. The results of the study will be shared with key stakeholders, including caregivers, psychiatrists, policymakers and the general public, via appropriate dissemination channels to aid in creating appropriate practice and policy guidelines.Trial registration number This study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20240320010) on 20 March 2024.
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spelling doaj-art-eacade9288cc40f89e93ee2e0e72652d2025-08-20T03:13:35ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552025-07-0115710.1136/bmjopen-2024-095359Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern ThailandDuangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon0Samai Sirithongthaworn1Vallop Thaineua2Siripon Kanshana3Athithan Sriminipun4Suchitporn Lersilp5Kewalin Panyo6Kansinee Changsom7Mallika Panyaphab8Pimwarat Srikummoon9Salinee Thumronglaohapun10Natthanidnan Sricharoen11Patrinee Traisathit12Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, ThailandDepartment of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, ThailandThai Breastfeeding Center Foundation, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, ThailandRajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandRajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai, ThailandRajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandDepartment of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandIntroduction The management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a varied and comprehensive range of support services at various stages of an autistic individual’s life. In Thailand, parents/legal guardians of children with ASD often encounter challenges such as difficulty travelling from rural areas to access support services. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention programme for caregivers of children with ASD called the Thai Early Intervention for Autism—Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC), designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team.Method and analysis 160 children and their caregivers are being recruited. They will be randomised 1:1 into two treatment arms: access to TEI4A-ATC for the intervention group and standard care for the control group. Before enrolment, ASD diagnosis will be conducted using the Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale: children’s ASD scores will be determined using the Thai Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist for evaluating communication, sociability and sensory/cognitive awareness and the Thai Early Developmental Assessment for Intervention for evaluating motor skills, social interaction, language development and problem-solving. Both assessment tools will be used again after 3 months of treatment. Similarly, the caregivers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) for ASD care will be assessed using a questionnaire at enrolment and again after treatment. Comparison of the children’s ASD scores and caregivers’ KAP responses between the treatment groups and before and after treatment will be performed based on the intention-to-treat principle.Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee for Mental Health and Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health (DMH.IRB.COA 037/2565). Written informed consent will be obtained from the participants prior to enrolment. The study’s findings may be disseminated through scientific publications and conference presentations. The results of the study will be shared with key stakeholders, including caregivers, psychiatrists, policymakers and the general public, via appropriate dissemination channels to aid in creating appropriate practice and policy guidelines.Trial registration number This study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20240320010) on 20 March 2024.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e095359.full
spellingShingle Duangkamol Tangviriyapaiboon
Samai Sirithongthaworn
Vallop Thaineua
Siripon Kanshana
Athithan Sriminipun
Suchitporn Lersilp
Kewalin Panyo
Kansinee Changsom
Mallika Panyaphab
Pimwarat Srikummoon
Salinee Thumronglaohapun
Natthanidnan Sricharoen
Patrinee Traisathit
Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
BMJ Open
title Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
title_full Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
title_fullStr Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
title_short Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand
title_sort study protocol for a multi centre randomised controlled trial of the thai early intervention for autism assistive technology for caregivers tei4a atc across nine hospitals in health region 1 northern thailand
url https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e095359.full
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