Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

2020 ◽  
pp. 125-140
Author(s):  
Kelly N. Banneyer ◽  
Rachel Fein ◽  
Eric A. Storch
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders ◽  
Compulsive Disorders

A Case Report of Intensive Exposure-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a Child With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Katie L. Merricks ◽  
Joshua M. Nadeau ◽  
Amaya Ramos ◽  
Eric A. Storch
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) has proven to be an effective treatment modality for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Less research exists demonstrating efficacy for this treatment modality among children with comorbid diagnoses of OCD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and virtually, nothing has been reported examining intensive interventions for the most severe cases. As such, this article discusses the treatment of an adolescent male with severe OCD comorbid with ASD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and chronic tic disorder using a cognitive behavioral approach and ERP. We conclude with recommendations for continued clinical research to understand approaches to help nonresponders to standard therapeutic approaches with this challenging population.

The therapeutic alliance in cognitive-behavioral therapy for school-aged children with autism and clinical anxiety

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 2031-2042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sami M Klebanoff ◽  
Kashia A Rosenau ◽  
Jeffrey J Wood
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Typically Developing Children

Little is known about the alliance between therapists and children with autism spectrum disorder who are receiving psychological therapies in outpatient treatment settings. This study examined the therapeutic alliance in children with autism spectrum disorder and clinical anxiety, who were receiving cognitive behavioral therapy in a randomized, controlled trial. The Therapeutic Alliance Scale for Children was administered to a sample of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and anxiety ( N = 64; aged 7–14) as well as to their parents and therapists. A comparison sample of typically developing youth with clinical anxiety ( N = 36; aged 5–12) was included. The child-therapist alliance was more positive among typically developing children than among children with autism spectrum disorder; correspondingly, the parent-therapist alliance was also more positive among parents of typically developing children. Therapist reports of positive child-therapist alliance predicted post-treatment reductions in anxiety among children with autism spectrum disorder, although child reports of this alliance did not. Parent reports of positive parent-therapist alliance also predicted post-treatment reductions in the child’s anxiety in the group with autism spectrum disorder. A strong therapeutic alliance appears to be associated with better treatment outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder receiving cognitive behavioral therapy, although a thoughtful and diagnostically sensitive approach is advisable to promote a positive alliance with children with autism spectrum disorder.

Modular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for an Early Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Luis Ordaz ◽  
Adam B. Lewin ◽  
Nicole M. McBride ◽  
Eric A. Storch
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

This case report outlines the use of a modular cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol used to treat “Larry,” a 12-year-old male, with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Larry participated in 16 weekly 90-min CBT sessions, following a protocol developed for youth with ASD and anxiety/OCD. Upon completion of the treatment, Larry was remitted of his OCD diagnosis (as defined by a subthreshold score of 3 on the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–4th ed. [ DSM-IV]–parent [ADIS]) and demonstrated marked improvements in his top presenting problems (washing hands immediately after touching something, checking tablet for smudges, and being around litter). This case report indicates useful adaptations to traditional CBT for OCD when working with youth with ASD.

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