Empowering a mother of children with autism: A case report on the impact of tele-occupational Performance Coaching on parent-child relationships, maternal self-efficacy, and occupational performance
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SCHOOLS AND EARLY INTERVENTION, vol.19, no.2, pp.248-257, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 19 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/19411243.2025.2519653
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SCHOOLS AND EARLY INTERVENTION
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
- Page Numbers: pp.248-257
- Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, coaching, mother, occupational performance
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This case report aimed at tele-occupational performance coaching to empower the mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder by enhancing occupational performance, parent-child relationships, and maternal self-efficacy. Over 8 weeks, the intervention addressed goals collaboratively identified by the mother, including self-care, productivity, and leisure-related tasks. Results revealed clinically significant improvements, with a two-point increase in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores for both performance and satisfaction. Significant score increases were also obtained on the Parent-Child Relationship Scale and the Early Intervention Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale. The findings underscore the effectiveness of tele-occupational performance coaching in enhancing family dynamics and parental capabilities while emphasizing the potential of telehealth as a scalable and accessible modality for delivering family-centered occupational therapy. Future research should expand on these findings by incorporating diverse populations and assessing long-term outcomes.