The association between parental interaction style and children's joint engagement in families with toddlers with autism. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patterson, Stephanie Y; Elder, Lauren; Gulsrud, Amanda; Kasari, Connie
• Is Part Of: Autism. Volume 18:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder -- joint engagement -- parental directiveness -- parental responsivity -- social initiations -- toddlers; Autism -- Periodicals; Autism in children -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1177/1362361313483595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-3613

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between parental interaction style (responsive vs directive) and child-initiated joint engagement within caregiver–child interactions with toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Method: Videotaped interactions of 85 toddler–caregiver dyads were coded for child engagement and both parental responsiveness and directiveness. Results: Altogether, children spent less than one-third of the interaction jointly engaged. After controlling for child characteristics, parental style was associated with the initiator (child or parent) of joint engagement. Specifically, responsiveness predicted total time in child-initiated joint engagement, while directiveness predicted total time in parent-initiated joint engagement. Children's social behaviours were associated with child-initiated joint engagement. Discussion: Social initiations are a key target for children with autism spectrum disorders. Results demonstrate that child initiations and global social behaviour ratings are associated with parental responsivity. Responsivity may be a critical factor to facilitate children's initiations.