An Exploration of Interactional Behaviors of Turkish Mothers and their Children with Severe Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study explored 40 Turkish mothers’ interaction styles and interactive engagement behaviors with their children with severe autism spectrum disorder. Participating mothers’ interactions with their children with severe autism spectrum disorder were recorded and video recordings of the interactions were analyzed using the Turkish Version of Maternal Behavior Rating Scale (TV-MBRS; Diken, 2009) and the Turkish Version of Child Behavior Rating Scale (TV-CBRS; Diken, 2009). Study findings indicated that mothers of children with severe autism spectrum disorder displayed higher rates of directive interactions styles with their children with severe autism and lower rates of sensitivity and responsiveness. Children with severe autism spectrum disorders also showed lower rates of attentiveness and social initiation behaviors during their interactions with their mothers. Findings of the study were discussed in relation to the literature on mother child interactions of children with autism spectrum disorders and research on available interventions designed for children with autism spectrum disorders.