Improving Behavioural and Social Skills in Children with Down Syndrome through Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: Effects on Parenting Skills and Stress in Caregivers

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on the available intervention tools for children with Down syndrome and their caregivers. Based on evidence gathered from past research, four hypotheses were formed which were tested by four different standardized tests along with Dyadic Parent-Interaction Coding System (DPICS). The research is based on a randomized experimental design checking the pre-post efficacy of the treatment. Out of all of the hypotheses, two showed statistical significance, which showed the impact of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) on the disruptive behaviour of children with Down syndrome and the caregiver skills of their parents. However, it showed statistical significance in the subscales of autonomy and empathy in the social skills of Down syndrome and showed no statistical significance on parental stress.