Mothers'' Narratives About Their Child With Autism

Mothers'' responsive playtime behaviors have been related to language development in children with autism. This study sought to identify correlates of maternal responsiveness to better understand psychological factors associated with baseline differences in this behavior. The work of John Bowlby suggests that maternal caregiving behavior is related to the organization of mothers'' thoughts about her child and her relationship with the child. In this study, maternal cognitions were assessed using the Insightfulness Assessment and the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. Maternal responsiveness ratings, measured with a micro-analytic coding system, were compared between groups formed according to mothers'' interview classifications. Maternal responsiveness was related to classification of the Insightfulness Assessment, but not the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. Neither child language skills nor mothers'' educational attainment was related to interview classifications. Therefore, mothers'' cognitions about their child with autism and the relationship with the child are associated with responsive behavior during play.