Search

Various aspects of parent responsiveness are associated with child outcomes, such as play, language, and social development. However, behavioral coding methods used to measure parent responsiveness vary widely, making comparison of results across studies difficult. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize current behavioral coding methods used in measuring parent responsiveness to children with autism or elevated likelihood of autism, synthesize the reported metrics used, and highlight the strengths and weaknesses in the reporting standards of available literature. A total of 101 articles met criteria for the review and were analyzed for metrics in demographics, coding system development and accessibility, characteristics of measured responsiveness, reliability, and validity. Results revealed variations in observational procedures, forms of measurement, and specific aspects of responsiveness measured. Details necessary for study replication or extension often were missing, such as parent demographics, clear definitions of parent responsiveness, and coder training procedures. The scoping review results reflect the wide variety of behavioral coding systems used and the inconsistent reporting in published literature on this topic. A case for a best practice model for behavioral coding metrics and reporting standards within parent responsiveness is presented in the discussion.

This analytical study documented the presence of transactions in parent-child engagement within a sample of young children at an elevated likelihood for an eventual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, the study examined the establishment of transactional engagement through reciprocal behaviors between parents and their young children at-risk for ASD. In the study sample, established transactional engagement occurred at a higher rate than other levels of engagement. Additionally, transactional engagement had a higher likelihood of being established when parents initiated. Post-hoc analyses revealed possible early markers of ASD within a certain behavior displayed in transactions. This study signifies the initial efforts in identifying transactions within parent-child engagement, and foremost, how transactional engagement is established.

This qualitative study explored the knowledge and perceptions about early screening for developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childcare settings using semistructured interviews with directors, teachers, and parents at 12 childcare centers. Results indicated that most of the directors and teachers, who were interviewed, were cautiously open to implementing screening programs but wanted additional training in recognizing early signs of ASD and other developmental disabilities, as well as communicating with families about concerns. All interviewed parents reported wanting childcare professionals to communicate with them if they had developmental concerns for their child, and all but one parent was open to the idea of universal screening at their child's center.