# Emotional Availability in Autism Intervention: A Mother–Father Comparative Analysis

## TL;DR

This study examines how parental involvement in autism intervention affects emotional exchanges, showing that both mothers and fathers improve, with fathers making notable gains in structuring interactions.

## Contribution

The study uniquely compares changes in emotional availability between mothers and fathers during autism intervention, highlighting fathers' specific progress.

## Key findings

- Parental sensitivity, structuring, and non-intrusiveness improved significantly for both mothers and fathers.
- Fathers showed more prominent gains in structuring interactions while being non-intrusive.
- Children were more involved during interactions with fathers compared to mothers.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The literature highlights the importance of parental involvement in autism treatment. However, much research has predominantly focused on child outcomes and cognitive dimensions. This study explores the impact of an early intensive intervention with parental involvement, focusing on changes in parents’ affective exchanges. Notably, given the paucity of studies on fathers in the intervention context, this study examines the comparative trajectory of change considering both caregivers. Methods: Twenty autistic preschoolers were monitored for one year during a parental-based intervention. Child–mother and child–father play interactions were coded with the Emotional Availability Scales at baseline and at 12 months. Repeated measures linear mixed-effect models were employed to investigate time and caregiver effects and their interaction. Results: Results highlighted both similarities and differences in change trajectories between caregivers. Parental sensitivity, structuring, and non-intrusiveness significantly increased for both parents with fathers showing more prominent gains in structuring the interaction while being non-intrusive. Child responsiveness and involvement significantly increased, showing similar trajectories with both caregivers. Children were generally more involved while interacting with their fathers. Conclusion: Parent–child interactions with caregivers evolved toward more adaptive exchanges regarding emotional availability for children’s and parents’ dimensions. Fathers appeared to be particularly receptive regarding acquiring structuring abilities and non-intrusive behaviors. Our results underscore the importance of investigating parental features as well as the importance of actively involving caregivers to support distal outcomes and generalization.