Preliminary efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for anxious youth with autism spectrum disorders.
Anxiety is a commonly occurring psychiatric concern in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This pilot study examined the preliminary efficacy of a manual-based intervention targeting anxiety and social competence in four adolescents with high-functioning ASD. Anxiety and social functioning were assessed at baseline, midpoint, endpoint, and 6 months following treatment. Treatment consisted of cognitive-behavioral therapy, supplemented with parent education and group social skills training. The treatment program was effective in reducing anxiety in three of the four subjects and improving the social skills in all four subjects. Recommendations for the assessment and treatment of anxiety youth with ASD such as use of self-report measures to complement clinician and parent-reports and adaptations to traditional child-based CBT, are offered.
White
Susan W
SW
Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 109 Williams Hall (0436), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. sww@vt.edu
Ollendick
Thomas
T
Scahill
Lawrence
L
Oswald
Donald
D
Albano
Anne Marie
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome