A case study of parent-child interaction therapy with adaptations for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in early childhood

Abstract

Children with ASD commonly exhibit disruptive behaviors, which are often the primary referral concern for treatment. Although PCIT was originally developed for typically developing children with externalizing behaviors, several studies have demonstrated its success in reducing behavioral problems in more specialized populations, including children with ASD. This chapter describes a clinical case study conducted with a 3-year-old female diagnosed with ASD. This case study illustrates that PCIT can be a successful treatment for children with ASD and other comorbid conditions. The chapter will describe the case in detail, while dedicating special attention to the considerations and adaptations used when working with the child and family. The section will conclude by highlighting future directions for practice and research when using PCIT for children with ASD.