Interpersonal synchrony in caregiver-child dyads with autism spectrum condition: A scoping review

Interpersonal synchrony (IS), the temporal alignment of behavior and biological processes between interaction partners, is a key mechanism for social engagement and co-regulation. While well-studied in neurotypical populations, its nature in caregiver-autistic child dyads remains fragmented. This scoping review maps the current knowledge on IS in these dyads across behavioral and biological levels and identifies methods and interactional contexts used for its measurement.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on October 12, 2024, with an updated search on September 30, 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative studies examining behavioral and/or biological interpersonal synchrony in caregiver-child dyads involving autistic children or children with an elevated likelihood of autism were included. Studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 39 studies met all eligibility criteria and were included in this review.

Across studies, IS in caregiver-autistic child dyads shows substantial heterogeneity. IS is neither uniformly reduced nor enhanced relative to caregiver-neurotypical child dyads but varies across modalities, interactional contexts, and developmental periods. Variability in IS has been associated with individual (child and caregiver), relational, and contextual factors. Evidence from longitudinal and intervention research suggests that synchrony is modifiable over time and may be linked to downstream developmental outcomes.

Findings highlight IS as a multidimensional, context-sensitive, and dyadically constructed process in caregiver-autistic child interactions. Advancing the field will require theoretically integrated, multimodal and longitudinal approaches that move beyond deficit-based models and support mutually attuned and meaningful social engagement in neurodiverse populations.