Child-Directed Interaction on Autistic Children’s Preverbal Skills and Their Parents’ Linguistic Behaviors
Abstract
There is a need for innovative language interventions for autistic children that target critical language-building blocks. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and its Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) phase appear promising. However, the effect of CDI on autistic children’s preverbal behaviors and their parents’ linguistic behaviors is yet to be studied. Using a multiple-baseline design including three mother-son dyads, this study found that CDI improved children’s gesture use and joint attention, as well as their parents’ linguistic behaviors. Findings support the recent trend toward parent-implemented language interventions for autistic children and offer innovative ideas for brief language interventions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Language Development and Disorders
Behavioral and Psychological Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Child & Family Behavior Therapy
- Volume
- 48
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 340–369
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN