Emotion regulation: A treatment target for autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuri M. Reyes ◽  
Katherine Pickard ◽  
Judy Reaven
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Frustration Tolerance ◽  
Treatment Target ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience difficulties with emotion regulation (ER). Treatments designed to address ER difficulties in individuals with ASD are emerging. The authors review cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based treatments that have focused on ER difficulties in youth and young adults with ASD. In general, these treatments addressing ER skills have included awareness of emotions/psychoeducation about emotions, frustration tolerance, and ER skills, as well as practice and use of these skills during group therapy that sometimes includes caregivers. The results from these interventions are encouraging for individuals with high-functioning ASD because ER skills tend to improve following treatment. The inclusion of ER in other ASD treatments is discussed.

Evidence-based treatment and conceptualization of autism spectrum disorder: Emotion regulation, social impairment, and anxiety as targets

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle A. Patriquin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Impairment ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Evidence Based Treatment ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Adults With Asd

The goal of this special issue is to highlight innovative evidence-based treatments and conceptualizations of emotion regulation difficulties, social impairment, and anxiety in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The issue is organized into these three highly linked constructs. Targeting these constructs effectively will help to ensure positive outcomes for youth and adults with ASD. It is clear that continued research is needed that creatively addresses emotion regulation problems, social impairment, and anxiety in ASD.

scholarly journals A Parent-Mediated, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Treatment for Young Children With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Anxiety: Development and Case Illustration of the Fun With Feelings Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-224
Author(s):  
Julia M. Cook ◽  
Caroline L. Donovan ◽  
Michelle S. Garnett
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Comorbid Anxiety

Comorbid anxiety is increasingly being recognized as a significant concern in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD; Selles & Storch, 2013). Given the significant short and long term impact of anxiety on the functioning of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; e.g., Bellini, 2004; Ben-Sasson et al., 2008), it is imperative that children with HFASD and comorbid anxiety receive intervention as early as is possible. Despite this need, there is a currently a dearth of research examining anxiety management programs for young children with HFASD. This article describes the development of a parent-mediated, cognitive behavioral therapy, group program for anxiety in 4- to 6-year-old children with HFASD. It provides a detailed discussion of the strategies taught to parents and children and highlights some of the challenges involved. A case study is also presented to illustrate progression and outcomes brought about through the program.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-Occurring Addiction

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Jennifer H. Foss-Feig ◽  
Stacey Lurie ◽  
Maya F. Hubert
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Social Difficulties ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
Do So

For many professionals, patients, and relatives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the co-occurrence with addiction to alcohol or drugs seems unimaginable. How could autism be hidden behind addiction and how could someone diagnosed with autism as a child become addicted in adolescence or adulthood? In this chapter, evidence is presented that this comorbidity is far more frequent in high-functioning adolescents and adults with ASD than is often appreciated. Two different perspectives are considered. First, both conditions are related to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Second, individuals with ASD may become addicted when they try and cope with their social difficulties by taking substances that help them overcome their initial shyness and social anxiety, or they do so to soothe their high levels of arousal and/or hypersensitivity to internal or external stimuli. There are established clinical guidelines for both conditions but none for managing the combination of these two disorders. Thus, the clinician, along with being acutely aware of the possible co-occurrence, should manage individual cases by tailoring an individual approach based on the evidence from both fields. This is illustrated by two clinical cases.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document