The Effectiveness of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract

We report the results of a pilot trial of an evidence-based treatment-Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; Eyberg et al. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 31(1), 83-91, 1995) for boys aged 5-12 with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and clinically significant behavioral problems. The study also included an investigation of the role of shared positive affect during the course of therapy on child and parent outcomes. The intervention group showed reductions in parent perceptions of child problem behaviors and child atypicality, as well as an increase in child adaptability. Shared positive affect in parent child dyads and parent positive affect increased between the initial and final phases of the therapy. Parent positive affect after the first phase was related to perceptions of improvement in problem behaviors and adaptive functioning.

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.…”

Caregiver Burden in Fragile X Families

“…Additionally, a pilot trial of the evidence-based parent-child interaction therapy in boys with high functioning ASD and behavioral problems showed reductions in parent perception of child problem behaviors and increases in child adaptability, thus benefitting both parents and children [43]. Parent positive affect and shared positive affect in parent-child dyads also improved in the intervention group [43]. However, these modalities have not been specifically studied in individuals with FXS.…”

Language Assessment in Autism

“…Knowing the child's communicative needs the mother works as a facilitator to the communication and places the child as the central focus of her attention (at www.intechopen.com least during the data gathering period). Prior studies (Chawarska et al, 2007;Clifforf & Dissanayake, 2008;Davis & Crter, 2008;Ruser et al, 2007;Scheeren & Stauder, 2008;Solomon et al, 2008) point out to the mother's important role as a communicative partner to the communication development process and eventually in the assessment processes. The mother represents a preferred partner to the child, determining an affective association that will generate symmetric communication patterns (Wachtel & Carter, 2008;Williams et al, 2005).…”