Potential of internet‐delivered PCIT for ASD in the COVID‐19 era: A pilot study

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social interaction and communication. ASD occurs in 0.8-2.0% of school-aged children, some experiencing comorbid disruptive behaviors. 1 Parent-Child Interaction Therapy 2 (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for disruptive behavior disorders in children aged 2 to 7 years and provides support for caregivers. Multiple clinical studies on using PCIT for children with ASD and their caregivers have reported positive effects. 3 PCIT aims to strengthen the relationship between the caregiver and child and to improve child compliance. Clinic-based PCIT reduces child problem behaviors through live coaching of caregiverchild interactions using a one-way mirror with a microphone and earphones. In western countries, PCIT is provided in various settings, including homes and hospitals (clinic-based), but also online, depending on the needs of patients. While clinicbased PCIT started in Japan about 10 years ago, Internetdelivered PCIT (I-PCIT) was implemented in 2020 because of contact limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, there has been only one case report (a maltreatment case) on the efficacy of I-PCIT in Japan, 4 therefore an accumulation of data from more studies is needed. This study compared the efficacy of three, clinic-based PCIT cases and one I-PCIT case in children with ASD.This study was approved by the ethics committee of the International University of Health and Welfare. Three parentchild dyads were classified as clinic-based PCIT and one dyad as I-PCIT. The four male children for the study from the