The Effectiveness of Family-Based Therapies in Reducing Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms and Enhancing Social Interactions in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and chronic neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns. Given the growing global prevalence of ASD and its profound impact on the quality of life of both the individual and their family, researchers in recent decades have sought approaches that not only reduce the core symptoms of autism but also improve children’s social and communicative functioning. Among these, family-based interventions have received considerable attention as innovative and effective methods, as they emphasize parent education and empowerment, aiming to extend therapeutic processes from clinical settings into the child’s natural environment. The present study examines the effectiveness of family-based interventions in reducing ASD symptoms and improving the social interactions of affected children. Families of children diagnosed with ASD participated in structured educational and support programs including communication skill training, emotion regulation, parent–child interaction enhancement, and strategies to reduce maladaptive behaviors. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. Data were collected using the Autism Rating Scale, Social Skills Questionnaire, and Parent–Child Interaction Checklist. The findings indicate that family-based therapies can significantly reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance social interactions, improve the quality of parent–child communication, and lower parental stress levels.

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , Family-Based Therapy , Social Interaction , Behavioral Symptoms , Parent–Child Interventions