Post published on Bluesky on 1 Jan 2026 11:44

Abstract

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has been effectively implemented for autistic youth and their families who need help reducing disruptive behaviors, promoting language development, and enhancing the parent-child relationship. However, like most autism-based interventions, the PCIT protocol was originally adapted for (rather than with or by) the autism community. A new wave of intervention research calls for input from autism advocates throughout each phase of the research process. The present study signifies the first step in the development and implementation of a pilot PCIT program with autistic youth and their families (i.e., PCIT-Autism). Academic researchers collaborated alongside an Autism Community Advisory Board (CAB) comprised of autistic adults (N = 10) and caregivers of autistic youth (N = 14) to understand the current state of therapeutic services and their values for the development of an intervention to address autistic youth aggressive behaviors, when present. Five primary themes were generated from qualitative interviews with the Autism CAB related to psychological interventions: (1) Barriers to Accessibility, (2) Effectiveness, (3) Therapist Competence, (4) Topics, and (5) Format. Recommendations from the Autism CAB encouraged a hybrid (in-person, group-based + individualized telehealth), time-limited PCIT model which incorporated autism-affirming psychoeducation and practice, childcare, as well as opportunities for community-building. The following article details the perspectives of members of a newly formed advisory board made up of autistic adults and caregivers of autistic youth. These individuals provided their insights into how a specific treatment for young autistic children and their caregivers should be structured. The intervention, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), has extensive research supporting its use in reducing aggression for autistic youth who experience these challenges; however, the intervention has not previously included the perspectives of autistic community members to create an affirming protocol. From the interviews, five primary themes were generated: (1) Barriers to Accessibility, (2) Effectiveness, (3) Therapist Competence, (4) Topics, and (5) Format. The manuscript highlights the direct quotes from advisory board members and details the next steps in the creation of a protocol for PCIT with autistic youth and their families.