Implementation of the incredible years-ASLD® program in autism and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties in Spain (FIRST STEPS): a feasibility study

Villalta, L., Elias, M., Llorens, M., Vall-Roqué, H., Romero-González, M., & Valencia-Agudo, F. (2025, in-press) Implementation of the incredible years-ASLD® program in autism and preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties in Spain (FIRST STEPS): a feasibility study. Children and Youth Services Review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108422.

Abstract

Objective:
To examine the feasibility of delivering the Incredible Years® Autism Spectrum and Language Delays (IY-ASLD®) parenting program within the Spanish child mental health services.

Method:
Parents of children aged 2–5 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or preterm children with communication and/or socialization difficulties were recruited and randomized to intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. Participants were recruited from child and adolescent mental health services from three hospitals in Spain. A multicenter, pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention was conducted mostly online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:
Fifty-three family units were randomized to intervention (n = 28) or TAU (n = 25) group. In the intervention group, twenty-three family units (82 %) completed the program. Parents attended 76 % of sessions on average. Fidelity of delivery was high (93.4 %). Parents reported satisfaction levels above 6 out of 7 in all program-related characteristics: overall program, teaching format, specific techniques, group leaders and group of parents. The online format was also rated as very helpful quantitatively and qualitatively.

Conclusions:
The IY-ASLD® program is a well-accepted and satisfactory early intervention for parents of children with neurodevelopmental problems, and it is feasible to implement it within the Spanish Public Mental Health System. Further studies should assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

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