Father-child interactions in autism: A multivariate analysis of behavioral patterns in Italian dyads

Although research on fathers in the context of autism has increased in recent years, the behavioral dimensions of paternal involvement, and how these behaviors relate to child characteristics, remain insufficiently understood. This study examined how multiple aspects of fathers' interactive behavior, including affective quality, play, and language, co-occur and relate to children's behaviors in a sample of autistic preschoolers. Participants were 43 Italian fathers and their 43 autistic children (M chronological age = 40.74 months, SD = 11.51; M mental age = 29.28 months, SD = 12.31). Fathers' interactive behaviors were assessed using observational and standardized measures of affect (Emotional Availability Scales, EAS), play (Play Code), and language (Penman Code). Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) identified two distinct patterns of paternal behavior. The first reflected high sensitivity and structuring, suggesting an attuned and supportive interactive style. The second pattern was characterized by reduced verbalization combined with low intrusiveness, indicating a relational, child-centered approach. Father-child play behaviors were strongly aligned, highlighting mutual attunement during shared play. Moreover, higher paternal sensitivity was associated with greater child involvement and responsiveness. Overall, findings suggest that fathers exhibit flexible configurations of behavior that may be linked to their children's characteristics. These results underscore the importance of multivariate approaches for capturing the complexity of father-child interactions in autism and highlight the need for personalized, father-inclusive strategies in developmental assessment and intervention.