https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cdmh/issue/feed 2026-01-21T10:25:59+07:00 Dr. Samai Sirithongthaworn cdmhjournalricd2015@gmail.com Open Journal Systems <p> </p> <p> The main aim of the journal is to encourage scholars, health providers, and child development and Mental health specialists to publish scholarly articles that include original and review articles, case studies, case reports, miscellany and systemic reviews related to mental health and development across the lifespan. The Journal is published twice a year in <strong>January - June, and July - December</strong> by Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. This journal is the peer-reviewed journal.</p> <p> International Journal of Child Development and Mental Health is an Open Access Journal, and all articles are immediately and permanently free for everyone to read and download upon publication. <strong>Print ISSN: 2286 - 7481, E-ISSN: 2586-887X</strong></p> https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cdmh/article/view/283271 2025-11-21T09:40:43+07:00 Tamara Sumalrot prapa.mai@mahidol.ac.th Prapa Maisook prapa.mai@mahidol.edu Koonthaleeporn Srijun prapa.mai@mahidol.ac.th Thanayot Sumalrot prapa.mai@mahidol.ac.th Kaewta Nopmaneejumruslers prapa.mai@mahidol.ac.th

<p>This study examines the Thai Home-based Autism Intervention (THAI) model, a parent-mediated, play-based approach designed to shift the paradigm from a medical model to a family-centered framework, addressing systemic inequities in early ASD care. This was a quasi-experimental pilot study conducted over six months in five provincial hospitals. Forty-six caregiver-child pairs participated in the intervention, which included biweekly in-clinic I-CARE skills coaching (Interaction, Comfort, Adapt, Respond, Encouragement), parent support groups, and home-based activities. Outcomes were assessed using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS), I-CARE Assessment, and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Parent-child interaction improved significantly (I-CARE scores increased from 12.69 ± 5.08 to 16.60 ± 6.45, <em>p</em> &lt; .001), as did children’s social-emotional development (FEAS scores increased from 28.67 ± 9.34 to 35.31 ± 9.21, <em>p</em> &lt; .001). Parental stress decreased significantly (PSI-SF scores from 94.89 ± 13.40 to 85.09 ± 12.43, <em>p</em> &lt; .001). Provinces with fewer resources showed the greatest improvements, particularly among children under three years old. The THAI model represents a paradigm shift in early ASD intervention by decentralizing care to families and communities, empowering caregivers, and addressing disparities in access. This scalable, culturally adapted approach holds promise for reducing health inequalities in LMICs.</p>

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