A nurse is providing care to a 5-year-old child who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The child's parents state they're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out." Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for the parents to help them cope?

A. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is primarily used for trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. While parental stress is significant, EMDR targets unresolved traumatic memories rather than ongoing caregiver burden. It is not the most appropriate first-line intervention for caregiver stress related to chronic childhood conditions. B. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on psychological flexibility and values-based coping and can be beneficial for chronic stress. However, evidence supporting its routine use for parental burnout in caregivers of children with autism is less established than other therapies. It is typically adjunctive rather than first-line. C. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is well-supported for reducing caregiver stress, anxiety, and depression by helping parents identify and reframe maladaptive thought patterns. It provides practical coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and stress-management techniques. This approach directly targets the emotional and cognitive burden described by the parents. D. Play Therapy and Art Therapy: These therapies are primarily designed for children to express emotions and improve communication skills. While helpful for pediatric clients, they are not intended to address parental stress or burnout. Their focus does not align with the parents’ coping needs.