A Case Study of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for a Young Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Behavioral and Developmental Considerations

Abstract

Externalizing behaviors and impairments in communication and adaptive functioning are the core defining features of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They are also the primary focus of interventions for children with ASD, as these conditions impact both the child's adaptive behavior and parental mental health. This study examined the effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) utilizing a case study of a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with ASD and comorbid disruptive behavior disorder. Behavioral observation data and psychometric tools with ecological validity were used across all assessments to evaluate intervention outcomes as assessed by the caregiver and the teacher. Results of both caregiver and teacher reports and observations indicated that 1) PCIT was effective in decreasing disruptive behaviors and improving parenting skills while reducing parental stress, and that 2) intervention gains had been maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Although the nature of this single case experimental study is a limitation, this article replicates and advances previous research examining PCIT success with children with autism and their parents while providing clinical implications for improving children's adaptive behavior in a short time.

Mothers’ Experiences and Challenges Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

“…This finding has been highlighted in existing research, which has indicated a bidirectional relationship between the burden of care and the ability of parents to effectively cope with their child’s behavior and implement appropriate parenting practices [ 60 , 61 ]. Indeed, some parents of disabled children may lack an adequate understanding of their child’s developmental needs and behavioral demands while others may not use positive skills when developing parent-child interactions and rewarding the appropriate behavior of the child [ 62 ]. In contrast, parents with positive experiences of parenting their children tend to perceive themselves as effective parents more often.…”

“…Given that the mothers in this study reported feelings of self-blame and guilt for their child’s autism, it may be important for mental health providers to proactively offer psychoeducation alongside CBT, to explain to parents of children with autism the nature and the developmental course of the disorder through the various life stages. This approach could also illustrate behavioral strategies in which mothers can model self-care for their children and help to minimize feelings of powerlessness in such children by highlighting useful practical knowledge [ 62 , 81 , 82 ]. On the cognitive level, CBT interventions teach strategies to enable parents to change their negative thoughts and irrational beliefs, which in turn can reduce parenting stress and increase mental well-being.…”

Impact of Child and Family Factors on Caregivers’ Mental Health and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece

“…While all children with DDs have an increased risk of acquiring mental health comorbidities compared to children with other DDs [25] and typically developing (TD) children [26], those diagnosed with ASD are especially prone to emotional and behavioral disorders [27]. These challenges frequently appear as unpredictable behaviors, such as tantrums, stereotyped and disruptive behaviors, and noncompliance [28]. Additionally, individuals with these mental health concerns typically have trouble with psychosocial adjustment and adaptive functioning.…”

Scientific collaborations and research trends in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: a bibliometric analysis

“…Recent research findings indicate that PCIT is important for parents' emotion regulation in addition to managing children's problem behaviors. As a result of his case study, Papadopoulos (2020) found that while PCIT reduced disruptive behaviors in a child with autism, treatment was also effective in reducing parental stress and improving parenting skills. In addition, treatment gains were maintained at 2-3-month follow-up assessments.…”