The effectiveness of parent – child interaction therapy for children with high functioning autism

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Parent - Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; Eyberg et al, 1995) for young children (ages 3 to 7) with high functioning autism and clinically significant behavioral problems. Four children with their mothers received treatment as an A-B single-subject experimental design and their behavioral problems were assessed 6 times by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). Results showed decrease in behavioral problems for all participants following the implementation of PCIT. The implications of the findings, study limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.