Free University of Miami Therapy Helps Cutler Bay Parents Understand Autistic Children

Cutler Bay families raising autistic children can access a free therapy program that empowers parents to interpret their child's behavior as communication. The University of Miami PCIT 305 program offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to Miami-Dade families, funded by The Children’s Trust.

PCIT shifts the traditional therapy model. Instead of a therapist directly treating the child, the parent delivers the intervention. A therapist coaches the parent live as they use strategies with their child. Abby Peskin, Ph.D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at University of Miami PCIT 305, explained that traditional therapy often falls short because parents learn strategies in an office but struggle to apply them in real-time with their children.

Dr. Peskin bases the program on two core principles: "behavior is communication" and "children want to do well when they can." She emphasizes that a child’s behavior reflects an unmet need. Creating a supportive environment helps children succeed.

Victor Antunez of Miami Autism Dad recently interviewed Dr. Peskin about these approaches. Antunez, a Real Estate Professional in Miami-Dade, focuses on resources for special-needs families. Families interested in the free PCIT 305 services can connect with the University of Miami program, which offers services in both English and Spanish.

The program's funding by The Children’s Trust makes it accessible to local families, providing a valuable resource for parents seeking to better understand and support their autistic children.