Objective: Current interventions for children with autism primarily include applied behavior analysis, structured teaching, naturalistic teaching, and social stories, with limited integration of parents into the intervention framework. This study investigates the use of Filial Therapy to empower a parent as a therapeutic partner, enhancing her understanding of autism, fostering emotional expression, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and strengthening the parent-child relationship.
Method: Drawing upon Landreth’s 10-session Filial Therapy model, this study tailored the intervention to the needs of a 7-year-old boy with autism and his mother. The program comprised 10 center-based training sessions (approximately 60 minutes each) and 8 home-based play sessions (approximately 30 minutes each). Data from video recordings and a semi-structured interview were analyzed to assess changes in behavioral adaptation, emotional regulation, and parent-child interaction.
Results:
1.The parent and child showed increased relaxation and spontaneous interaction, particularly in later sessions.
2.The parent developed improved acceptance of autism-specific behaviors, shifting from initial anxiety to active listening and empathetic responses, fostering more effective communication.
3.The play sessions created a non-judgmental, child-led environment, encouraging the child’s autonomous exploration and emotional expression while deepening the parent-child bond.
Conclusion: Filial Therapy offers a family-centered approach to address challenges in autism. By equipping a parent with therapeutic skills, it bridges clinical interventions and daily life, providing a sustainable model for diverse contexts.

Authors:
Shuyu Liu, National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan
LanXiang You, Fuzhou Kaizhi school, China

About the Presenter(s)
My name is Liu Shuyu.I am a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology. I am deeply interest in Taoist, existential therapies, and Jungian psychology. My current work explores themes of spirituality and its integration into therapeutic practice.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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