A Comparison of Mother-Child Interactions of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Children

This study compares the interactional behaviors of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (n=34) and mothers of typically developing children (n=28) through mother-child dyads. Participating mothers and their children were recorded while playing in an unstructured environment. Data were analyzed using five distinct mother interactional behavior categories and mother reinforcements used during the interactions. Mother interactional behaviors were: Directiveness, achievement orientation, responsivity, warmth and un-engagement. Study results were discussed in regard to the interactional behaviors of mothers of children with ASD and TD with their children and suggestions for future research were provided