Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

In addition to the core symptoms, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit disruptive behavior problems including irritability, tantrums, noncompliance, and aggression. This is a pilot study of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, also known as Anger Control Training, in adolescents with high-functioning ASD. CBT teaches children to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance. This form of CBT has been well-studied in typically developing children with disruptive behavior and we are investigating if this treatment can be feasible and helpful, with appropriate modifications, for irritability and disruptive behavior in ASD.

Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, Asperger's Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)

Autism, Irritability, Disruptive Behavior, Aggression, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is an individually administered behavioral interventions aimed at reducing irritability and disruptive behavior. There are 10 to 12 weekly sessions that are conducted with the child and the parent. During these sessions children are taught to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance.

Parent rating of irritability and disruptive behavior that has been often used in studies with children with ASD

Inclusion Criteria: DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or PDD-NOS presence of disruptive behaviors such as irritability and anger outbursts IQ above 80 Unmedicated or on stable medication Exclusion Criteria: medical or psychiatric condition that would require alternative treatment

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