Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Adaptations With a Child With Severe Developmental Delays

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently present with co-occurring problem behaviors (e.g., noncompliance, aggression), which increase the risk for exclusion from educational programming, social relationships, and community activities. Although behavioral intervention represents a frequently cited and promising approach for addressing challenging behaviors in ASD, there is a pressing need to expand the availability and dissemination of short-term, evidenced-based interventions to meet growing demand in the ASD community. Originally developed for typically developing children, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) represents a well-supported, behaviorally based parent training program shown to hold potential benefit for children with ASD. Questions, however, remain regarding the application of PCIT among children with ASD and pronounced developmental delays. This case study describes the use of PCIT with a child with ASD who presents with limited receptive and expressive communication skills, as well as a history of aggression, tantrums, and noncompliance. Adaptations to the intervention included changes to both phases of the intervention (CDI and PDI). Results indicate that the intervention was associated with acquisition of parenting skills and reduced problem behaviors, suggesting PCIT with modifications may also hold benefit for children with ASD and severe developmental delays.