Does broad autism phenotype traits affect mother-child interaction?: a cross-sectional study from Turkey
Tugba Mentese Babayigit1, Rahime Duygu Temelturk2,3, Merve Cikili Uytun2
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey.
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Maternal Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) traits correlate with poorer mother-child interactions in autism. Higher BAP scores in mothers were linked to lower relationship quality in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) describes traits mirroring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in individuals without a diagnosis.
- Understanding parental BAP is crucial for early intervention and supporting mother-child dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of maternal BAP characteristics on mother-child interactions.
- To compare these dynamics in children with autism versus global developmental delay (GDD).
Main Methods:
- Study included 41 children with autism and 35 with GDD (aged 12-60 months) and their mothers.
- Utilized Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale (PIR-GAS), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (ASQ), and other validated questionnaires.
- Assessed maternal BAP traits and parent-infant relationship quality.
Main Results:
- Mothers of children with autism showed higher BAP scores compared to mothers of children with GDD.
- The Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale (PIR-GAS) scores were significantly lower in the autism group.
- A notable correlation was found between maternal BAP scores and the quality of the mother-child relationship.
Conclusions:
- Maternal BAP traits are associated with altered mother-child interaction quality.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into parental BAP's role in intervention effectiveness.
- Early identification and support for parental BAP may enhance therapeutic outcomes for children with ASD.
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