Interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Currently there is research focused on demonstrating that of interaction is important for the stimulation of cognitive, social, emotional and language deve­lopment of typically developing children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It has been proposed that the parents of children with ASD may act as co-therapists for their children in everyday interactions. The aim of this study was to describe the behavioral characteristics of children with ASD when than interact with their primary caregiver through free play. Participated 16 children with ASD from 4-12 years old with their primary caregiver. In­teraction was videotaped for 15 minutes. Parents were then instructed to establish a free play with their children using teaching materials placed in a box. Interaction was analyzed by watching the video recording, considering: activity, stereotyped movements, eye contact, impositive response or not impositive response and whether interaction was verbal, objetal, gestural, verbal or gestural-vi­sual. During the interaction the children were active 80%. 43% responded verbally, 35% using objects and 22% through gestures. Children in only 57% of the interaction established visual contact. The study of interaction in children with ASD to analy­sis of the difficulties presented in language, social interaction and cognitive development. Evaluation of developmental by standardized tests in these children is complex, so that the analysis of interac­tions permits the description of development and the design of support strategies for parents in order to encourage their child’s progress in daily life.