Conceptualizing and Treating Social Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Focus Group Study with Multidisciplinary Professionals. (21st December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spain, Debbie; Rumball, Freya; O'Neill, Lucy; Sin, Jacqueline; Prunty, Jonathan; Happé, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities. Volume 30(2017)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2016-12-21
• Subjects: Asperger's syndrome -- autism spectrum disorder -- qualitative study -- social anxiety -- social phobia; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; 616.85880072
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2322

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Individuals who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly experience social anxiety (SA). Disentangling SA symptoms from core ASD characteristics is complex, partly due to diagnostic overshadowing and co‐occurring alexithymia. Causal and maintaining mechanisms for SA in ASD are underexplored, but it is feasible that there is an ASD specificity to the clinical presentation, with implications for the development of targeted treatments. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with multidisciplinary professionals to investigate their perspectives about, and approaches to, working with individuals with ASD and SA. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Data analysis revealed two overarching themes: conceptualizing SA in ASD and service provision. Our results suggest that adaptations to service provision are pertinent, so as to accommodate inherent impairments that can mediate assessment and intervention. Conclusions: Future studies should establish how aspects of the care pathway can be improved for individuals with ASD and SA.