title: Improving emotion regulation with CBT in young children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study tested the efficacy of a developmentally modified CBT for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to teach emotion regulation strategies for reducing anger and anxiety, commonly noted problems in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven 5-7 year-old children participated in a CBT-group while parents participated in psychoeducation. Children were randomly assigned to an experimental or delayed-treatment control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From pre- to post-treatment, all children had less parent reported negativity/lability, better parent reported emotion regulation, and shorter outbursts, and also generated more coping strategies in response to vignettes. Parents also reported increases in their own confidence and their child's ability to deal with anger and anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that young children with high functioning ASD may benefit from CBT to improve regulation of anger and anxiety, and parent training may improve parental self-efficacy. Future studies are needed to make conclusions about its efficacy.
authors: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. ascarpa@vt.edu
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Scarpa
authors: Nuri M
authors: NM
authors: Reyes
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000786:Anger; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004493:Education; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States