Introduction:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Children with ASD often exhibit delayed motor development and impaired social skills, which can hinder functional independence and peer engagement. Parent empowerment programs, designed to equip caregivers with skills, knowledge, and strategies, have emerged as a promising approach to address these developmental challenges by extending therapeutic interventions into the home environment. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of parent empowerment programs in improving motor and social skills in children with ASD. Methods: A systematic search adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies published from January ۲۰۱۰ to March ۲۰۲۵. Keywords included "autism spectrum disorder," "parent empowerment," "motor skills," and "social skills." Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi experimental studies, and pre post intervention studies involving children with ASD aged ۳-۱۲ years. Studies lacking measurable outcomes in motor or social domains were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures. Results: A total of ۱۸ studies involving ۱,۲۴۵ participants met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included structured parent training workshops, home based activity modules, and telehealth coaching. Eleven studies reported significant improvements in gross and fine motor skills (standardized mean difference [SMD] = ۰.۴۵; ۹۵% CI: ۰.۲۸-۰.۶۲), while ۱۴ studies demonstrated enhanced social interaction and communication (SMD = ۰.۵۳; ۹۵% CI: ۰.۳۴-۰.۷۲). Programs incorporating both in person and remote components yielded the greatest gains. Conclusion: Parent empowerment programs show moderate to strong evidence in improving motor and social skills in children with ASD, reinforcing their role as a cost effective adjunct to professional therapy. Integration into pediatric rehabilitation services and further high quality RCTs are recommended to optimize program design and scalability.
