DCMA Training

DCMA Measure

DCMA systematically evaluates qualitative or global aspects of dyadic communication and interaction between an adult primary caregiver and child by rating their unstructured play from videotape. Seven areas of caregiver-child interaction are measured and coded within a normative developmental model designed to capture a wide variance of interactions, both typical and those seen in neurodiverse or autistic children.

The DCMA measure was developed to fulfil the need to evaluate dyadic communication and interaction for research and clinical purposes and which is:

(1) relatively brief and quick to rate in key areas defining quality of interaction and communication.

(2) a valid and sensitive measure of change in dyadic communication, caregiver skills and child communication competencies over a long period (6 months to 11 years), thus lending itself to longitudinal measurement.

(3) based on directly observable behaviours and empirical evidence in developmental psychology.

This measure is suitable for clinical practice for research in a wide range of projects. Training also provides a thorough grounding for understanding dyadic caregiver-child communication and interactive dynamics. DCMA has been found to correlate with other outcome measures, including social communication symptoms of autism (ADOS 2).

A comprehensive training package

Training involves active participation in a 1-day intensive workshop followed by practice and reliability assessments to produce consistent, statistically reliable ratings as needed for high-quality clinical practice and research. The package consists of:

• 1-day workshop
• Two sets of practice video clips with personalised feedback
• Extra set of practice video clips with detailed feedback, if needed
• A two-part coding reliability assessment with personalised feedback
• All course materials, including DCMA coding manual, transcriptions, forms, and other materials

Who can train in DCMA?

The training is suitable for clinicians and researchers who wish to study caregiver-child communication interactions from videotaped clips in a systematic way that has been validated in autism research intervention trials. DCMA is suitable for professionals and undergraduates with an understanding of parenting and child development and no prior experience observing caregiver-child communication interactions.

What is involved in the training?

The workshop

This small group workshop will include:

1. • Background to the DCMA, including presentation of published data
   • A detailed discussion of each area of caregiver-child communication interaction with exemplars
   • Practice coding exercises, including small-group and individual coding
   • Training in administration
   • Comprehensive grounding for independent coding exercises
   • Certificate of attendance on completion of training course

Practice exercises

Following the 1-day workshop, you will be given 2 video recordings to code independently. DCMA certification involves completing and passing the post-course reliability tasks within 1 month of the initial workshop.

Cost 

Standard - £950

Please enquire about discounts for research teams of 5 or more by emailing info@pacttraining.co.uk?

The fee includes the following:

• 1-day workshop, including slides, training materials, coding manual, and forms
• All post-workshop practice materials and assessment materials
• The DCMA manual
• Feedback in DCMA coding reliability and administration.

Please register your interest below using the registration form. As soon as we have a minimum of five we will contact you to confirm an agreed date and time.