Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to examine interactional behaviors of typically developing children (n:30) and children with autism spectrum disorders (n:30) with their parents. Participating parents’ interactions with their children were recorded and video recordings were analyzed using the Turkish Version of Maternal Behavior Rating Scale (TV-MBRS; Diken, 2009) and the Turkish Version of Child Behavior Rating Scale (TV-CBRS; Diken, 2009). Study results showed that while parents of children with ASD displayed a lower level of emotional expressiveness and responsive interactional behaviors towards their children, there was no significant difference between parents of children with ASD and typically developing children in regard to achievement oriented behaviors. However, study findings indicated that children with ASD showed a lower level of attention and initiation with their parents compared to typically developing children. Findings of the study were discussed in relation to the literature on parent child interactions of typically developing Turkish children and children with ASD and suggestions for further research were provided.

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