Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and ADHD: A Case Study With a Hearing Child of a Deaf Father and a Hearing Mother

ABSTRACT

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has demonstrated promising evidence in its implementation with deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) families. This case study presents the implementation of PCIT with a hearing mother, a deaf father, and their 7-year-old hearing son with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and oppositional behaviors, using the assistance of certified interpreters. Results documented improvement in child behavior, parenting skills and stress, and parent-child communication. Notably, paternal ratings showed greater improvement across these outcomes than maternal ratings. Overall, PCIT continues to demonstrate its effectiveness as a treatment option for DHH families with children with challenging behaviors. The limitations and implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• ADHD
• deaf parent
• oppositional behaviors
• PCIT

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the family in the study for their participation and the certified ASL interpreters for their assistance and guidance. The authors also thank Natalie Robinson, an undergraduate student, for her help with the observational data analyses.