title: School based cognitive behavioural therapy targeting anxiety in children with autistic spectrum disorder: a quasi-experimental randomised controlled trail incorporating a mixed methods approach.
abstract: Children with a diagnosis of autism are more likely to experience anxiety than their typically developing peers. Research suggests that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) could offer a way to help children with autism manage their anxiety but most evidence is based on clinical trials. This study investigated a school-based CBT programme using a quasi-experimental design incorporating the child and parent versions of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (Spence, J Abnorm Psy 106(2):280-297, 1997) and the Coping Scale for Children and Youth (Brodzinsky et al., J Appl Dev Psychol 13:195-214, 1992). Interview data was incorporated to help understand the process of change further. Children in the experimental condition had lower levels of anxiety, maintained at follow-up and changes were found in coping behaviours such as lower behavioural avoidance strategies but increased problem solving strategies at follow-up. Limitations of the research together with future directions are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Kent Educational Psychology Service, Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8XU, UK. christopher.clarke2@kent.gov.uk.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: UCL Institute of Education, London, UK.
authors.forename: Vivian
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College, London, UK.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Charman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011340:Problem Solving; D012572:School Health Services
keywords: Autism; Cognitive behavioural therapy; Coping behaviours; Mixed methods; Schools based interventions