Behavioral skills training for graduate students providing cognitive behavior therapy to children with autism spectrum disorder.

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfuz Hassan ◽  
Kendra M. Thomson ◽  
Maria Khan ◽  
Priscilla Burnham Riosa ◽  
Jonathan A. Weiss
Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-199
Author(s):  
Oskar Flygare ◽  
Erik Andersson ◽  
Helene Ringberg ◽  
Anna-Clara Hellstadius ◽  
Johan Edbacken ◽  
...  

Obsessive–compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder commonly co-occur. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder has not previously been evaluated outside the United Kingdom. In this study, 19 adults with obsessive–compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder were treated using an adapted cognitive behavior therapy protocol that consisted of 20 sessions focused on exposure with response prevention. The primary outcome was the clinician-rated Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale. Participants were assessed up to 3 months after treatment. There were significant reductions on the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale at post-treatment (d = 1.5), and improvements were sustained at follow-up (d = 1.2). Self-rated obsessive–compulsive disorder and depressive symptoms showed statistically significant reductions. Improvements in general functioning and quality of life were statistically non-significant. Three participants (16%) were responders at post-treatment and four (21%) were in remission from obsessive–compulsive disorder. At follow-up, three participants (16%) were responders and one (5%) was in full remission. Adapted cognitive behavior therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder in adults with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder is associated with reductions in obsessive–compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms. However, outcomes are modest; few patients were completely symptom free, and treatment engagement was low with few completed exposures and low adherence to homework assignments. We identify and discuss the need for further treatment refinement for this vulnerable group.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Summer L. Gunn ◽  
Tyra P. Sellers ◽  
Ben Lignugaris/Kraft

The current study looked at the effects of coaching using behavioral skills training (BST) outlined by Parsons, Rollyson, and Reid. The participant was a young adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) enrolled in a preschool practicum course as part of the early childhood special education (ECSE) licensure program at the university that she attended. Impairment in social pragmatics and executive functioning are associated with ASD and are critical for engaging in an evaluative and analytic process necessary for success as an ECSE teacher. Coaching, using the BST model paired with observation and immediate feedback in the practicum environment, was used to systematically address the participant’s deficits in social pragmatics and executive functioning as it related to the practicum setting. The current applied study relied on a single-case demonstration to measure treatment outcomes and inform clinical decision making. Dependent measures in the study included visual scanning, verbal interactions, and engagement with preschool age children. Outcomes included an increase in all dependent variables. The impact of treatment on the participant’s success in her preschool practicum will be discussed.


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