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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Internalizing Disorders in High-Functioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Anxiety and depression are often comorbid with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is empirical support to suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficacious treatment for comorbid anxiety disorders in youth with ASD. Modifications to CBT for youths with ASD have been made with emphasis on exposure being a critical component. Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of CBT on symptoms of depression in youths with ASD. Modifications to CBT will be outlined in this review, as will implementation suggestions for the clinician practicing CBT with ASD youth. Limitations of the studies investigating this intervention include small sample sizes, clinician- and parent-report of symptom change but not consistent self-identified change, limited validated tools for assessing change, and lack of long-term follow-up.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, 10524 Euclid Avenue, Suite 3150, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Kimberly Burkhart

  2. University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA

    Michele Knox & Kimberly Hunter

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  1. Kimberly Burkhart
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  2. Michele Knox
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  3. Kimberly Hunter
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Correspondence to Kimberly Burkhart.

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Burkhart, K., Knox, M. & Hunter, K. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Internalizing Disorders in High-Functioning Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Contemp Psychother 48, 155–163 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-017-9374-7

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