2015 Volume 2015 Issue 25 Pages 150-155
The purpose of this report is to clarify the feature of the modification processes in two families through Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). The participants were two families who each have a child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The children were 7- and 5-year-old boys, and they each have a sibling. They have continued to do RDI for two years and one year respectively. The modification process were analyzed by the parents’ two types of reflection reports: 1) daily life in the relationship between them and their child, and 2) video clips of RDI activities focused on pacing, spotlighting, and sharing feelings. The results are as follows. In both of families, the mothers felt some difficulties in guiding their child compared with their siblings and worry about the relationship with their friends at the start of RDI. Each father has understood the mother’s feeling and has participated in doing RDI. It was important for them to have the opportunities to discuss and consider interaction with child through video clips. They realized that they are apt to use a lot of instructions with words, and the necessity of making use of declarative words and non-verbal tools in their interaction. Their child has often come to guess their parents’ reactions and as a result, decrease speaking one-sidedly at their own pace in their deeds. According to the results of the above case studies, the author focused on parents’ guiding, not on improving the child’s behavior. This report suggested that the importance of focusing on the parents’ reflections, their feelings and emotions in interacting with their child.
