Parent-child interaction therapy with children on the autism spectrum: A narrative review

Abstract

This chapter reviews, in detail, all Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) studies for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provides information to improve clinical expertise and inform effective practice. Even though PCIT was originally developed to treat children with externalizing behaviors, there has been increased interest in using this evidencebased treatment (EBT) with children on the spectrum. Two theoretical articles, seven nonexperimental studies, and four quasi-experimental and experimental studies comprise the entire literature of PCIT for children with ASD (PCIT-ASD). These studies lay the groundwork necessary to inform future researchers and clinicians interested in PCIT-ASD. This chapter reviews, in detail, all Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) studies for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provides information to improve clinical expertise and inform effective practice. Even though PCIT was originally developed to treat children with externalizing behaviors, there has been increased interest in using this evidence-based treatment (EBT) with children on the spectrum. Two theoretical articles, seven nonexperimental studies, and four quasi-experimental and experimental studies comprise the entire literature of PCIT for children with ASD (PCITASD). These studies lay the groundwork necessary to inform future researchers and clinicians interested in PCIT-ASD.