Telemedicine Shows Promise in Reducing Behavioral Excesses in Children with Autism

Researchers at Imam Khomeini International University have found that family-based interventions delivered via telehealth can be an effective method to reduce behavioral excesses in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study, conducted with 14 parents of children with ASD, found that high and low-order behavioral excesses were significantly decreased in the post-test and follow-up stages. The program was also acceptable to parents, with an 82.15 satisfaction rate and 86% attainment of session goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Family-based interventions via telehealth can be an effective method to reduce behavioral excesses in children with ASD.
• The program resulted in significant decreases in high and low-order behavioral excesses in the post-test and follow-up stages.
• 12 out of 14 children achieved recovery or high recovery at the end of the intervention.
• Parents reported a significant improvement in parenting self-efficacy.
• The program was acceptable to parents, with an 82.15 satisfaction rate and 86% attainment of session goals.
• The study suggests that telehealth can be used to implement family-based behavior therapy with acceptable fidelity and to attain substantial reductions in behavioral excesses in children with ASD.
• Samaneh Behzadpoor, one of the researchers, notes the importance of innovative models such as telehealth in delivering interventions to families living in underserved areas.

Statistics:

• 14 parents of children with ASD participated in the intervention.
• The mean age of the children was 38.14±9.42 months.
• The program resulted in a significant decrease in high and low-order behavioral excesses (p < 0.05).
• 12 out of 14 children achieved recovery or high recovery at the end of the intervention.
• The program had an 82.15 satisfaction rate and 86% attainment of session goals.

Sources:

• "The Effectiveness of Family-based Behavior Therapy on Behavioral Excesses of Children With Autism Via Telehealth" (Practice in Clinical Psychology, 2025, 13(1):57-70)
• "Researchers at Imam Khomeini International University Report Research in Telemedicine (The Effectiveness of Family-based Behavior Therapy on Behavioral Excesses of Children With Autism Via Telehealth)" (Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 20, 2025; p 884)
• Imam Khomeini International University website
• Negah Institute for Social Research & Scientific Communication website