Family Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for a Child With Autism and Comorbid Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nadeau, Joshua M.; Arnold, Elysse B.; Storch, Eric A.; Lewin, Adam B.
• Other Names: McKay Dean guest-editor.; Storch Eric A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical case studies. Volume 13:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorders (ASD) -- pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) -- school-age youth; Psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.89140722
• DOI: 10.1177/1534650113504488
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-6501

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure/response prevention is effective among youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and comorbid anxiety symptoms. This case illustrates the application of a modularized family-based CBT approach with a school-aged boy with autistic disorder and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Following 16 family sessions over 21 weeks, "Jerry, " a 9-year-old Caucasian male, showed significant reduction in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Jerry's parents also reported improvements in emotional regulation, participation in school activities, and in his parent–child relationships. This case study illustrates the use of family-based CBT, which has been modified to account for social and behavioral deficits endemic to ASDs, for school-aged youth with autism and comorbid OCD.