Improving the outcome of social skills training by the inclusion of specific cognitive behaviour therapy methods and topics: A multi-centre study

This paper suggests ways in which videotape modelling strategies may be used in behaviour therapy. Clients can acquire new responses through observational learning, while the consequences accruing to a model from different actions can be planned to effect inhibition or disinhibition of specific client behaviours. Modelling may facilitate the performance of previously learned behaviour by identifying for the observer appropriate contexts and discriminative stimuli. Also, models can be used to present cultural norms or standards for performance. The effective and ethical use of videotape modelling strategies requires that therapists understand the theoretical dimensions of this intervention format and justify the content of modelling presentations from empirical research on the behaviours targeted for change. Particular cautions are noted in the areas of social skills training and desensitization to anxiety provoking situations.

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Cognitive behaviour therapy for social anxiety in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-07-2016-0020 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 34-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Debbie Spain ◽

Jacqueline Sin ◽

Laura Harwood ◽

Maria Andreina Mendez ◽

Francesca Happé

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Social Skills ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Behaviour Therapy ◽

Social Situations ◽

Content Type ◽

Cognitive Behaviour

Purpose Individuals who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly experience anxiety about social interaction and social situations. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for social anxiety (SA) in the non-ASD population. Therapy typically comprises cognitive interventions, imagery-based work and for some individuals, behavioural interventions. Whether these are useful for the ASD population is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to undertake a systematic review to summarise research about CBT for SA in ASD. Design/methodology/approach Using a priori criteria, the authors searched for English-language peer-reviewed empirical studies in five databases. The search yielded 1,364 results. Titles, abstracts, and relevant publications were independently screened by two reviewers. Findings Four single case studies met the review inclusion criteria; data were synthesised narratively. Participants (three adults and one child) were diagnosed with ASD and SA. There were commonalities in interventions and techniques used: participants were encouraged to identify and challenge negative thoughts, enter anxiety-provoking social situations, and develop new ways of coping. Unlike CBT for SA in non-ASD individuals, treatment also included social skills interventions. Outcomes were assessed using self- or informant-reports. Improvements in SA, depressive symptoms, social skills, and activity levels were noted. Generalisability of results is hampered, however, by the small number of studies and participants and lack of randomised controlled trial conditions employed. Research limitations/implications Future studies should investigate how beliefs and behaviours indicative of SA can be ameliorated in individuals with ASD. Originality/value This is the first review to synthesise empirical data about CBT for SA in ASD.

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