A Father with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a Son with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Case Study

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit significant challenging behaviors coupled with relational dysfunction. These symptoms call for specialized behavioral care that focuses not only on replacing challenging behaviors with desired behaviors, but also on developing relationship skills. Similarly, adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience difficulty inhibiting impulses and maintaining healthy relationships, which also necessitates therapeutic services. The present case study describes the use of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) as a treatment for a child with ASD and a father with PTSD. Data indicated improvements in child challenging behaviors as well as parent anxiety and stress levels. Implications for future applications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• paternal health
• veterans
• behavior
• parent training
• parent-child interaction therapy