An examination of parent-child dyadic interaction and the impact of a parent-training program designed to support the language development of toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Author / Creator

  Patterson, Stephanie Yoshiko

• Parents can effectively facilitate positive child behaviour change (Kaiser & Hancock, 2003). Their inclusion as interventionists is an essential component of autism intervention (NRC, 2001) and represents a natural step toward consistent early intervention. However, what constitutes effective delivery of parent programs and their effect outside research settings is limited. The present study explored patterns of change in parent-child communication in the child’s natural language learning environment after participation in Hanen’s More Than Words program. Four patterns of change in the quality and quantity of parent-child talk and language were observed. Overall, parents increased talk immediately after intervention but failed to maintain the increase. Children demonstrated significant changes in gestures, receptive language and frequency of coordinated joint attention.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Interventions
  • Language
  • Interactions
  • Parents
  • Autism

• Graduation date

  Fall 2010

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Education

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3NS5K

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.