Parent-child interaction therapy and high functioning autism: A conceptual overview.

Abstract

Externalizing behaviors are a common component of the clinical presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorders and are typically the initial focus of treatment for children within this population. This article examines the appropriateness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) as a first-line, gateway treatment for preschoolers with High Functioning Autism who demonstrate co-occurring difficulties with aggressive and noncompliant behavior. Although PCIT has shown initial success in treating children with High Functioning Autism, much of the knowledge is based on clinical case studies thus warranting further empirical research before conclusions can be drawn.

Issues and Theoretical Constructs Regarding Parent Education for Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Several programs also use video feedback (Green et al 2010) and video examples to teach (Johnson et al 2007) during individual sessions. Additionally, in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for ASD, the therapist provides feedback from behind a one-way mirror using a “bug in the ear” microphone while the parent works with their child (Masse et al 2007; Solomon et al 2008). A recent meta-analysis of parent education components found that having parents practice their new skills in session was associated with larger effects than other programs without these components, regardless of other program content or delivery (Kaminski et al 2008).…”

State-wide dissemination and implementation of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT): Application of theory

“…If the EBP is to be successfully implemented, some adaptations to the EBP and the system are often necessary. The PCIT literature shows successful adaptations of the intervention for different clinical populations (e.g., Autism, ADHD; Masse, Mcneil, Wagner, & Chorney, 2008; as well as for logistical realities within community clinics (e.g., no one-way mirror available for coaching sessions, no separate timeout room, no bug in the ear technology, home-based treatment; McNeil & Hembree-Kigin, 2010;Ware, McNeil, Masse, & Stevens, 2008). Although PCIT is a manualized intervention, it is not a "cookbook approach" that is insensitive to clinical realities (McNeil, Filcheck, Greco, Ware, & Bernard, 2001) and this has likely been key to its success in prior community dissemination efforts (e.g.…”

Examination of Parental Tolerance Among Parents of Young Children with and without ASD

“…For example, ParentChild Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and parent management training (PMT) are empirically supported and manualized interventions that target the parent child relationship, discipline practices, and disruptive behaviors (Agazzi et al 2013;Eyberg and Funderburk 2011;Kazdin 1997;Kazdin 2017;Masse et al 2007;Solomon et al 2008;Zlomke et al 2017). Parents of girls and boys with or without a diagnosis of ASD may differ in their level of tolerance, which could influence their willingness or ability to engage in behavioral parent treatment.…”