CBT for Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Angela Scarpa, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), founder and codirector of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic, and director of the Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research. She is a clinical psychologist whose research and practice focus on the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Dr. Scarpa is coauthor (with Anthony Wells and Tony Attwood) of Exploring Feelings for Young Children with High-Functioning Autism or Asperger's Disorder: The STAMP Treatment Manual.Susan Williams White, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Virginia Tech and codirector of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of people affected by neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. Dr. White has a special interest in interventions for social deficits and co-occurring psychiatric problems, such as anxiety in individuals with ASD, and exploration of transdiagnostic processes such as emotional and behavioral self-regulation. She is the author of Social Skills Training for Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism.Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Chairperson of the Minds and Hearts Clinic in Brisbane, Australia, and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. With over 35 years of clinical experience, he is considered a leading international expert in the field. His publications include The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals.

This book helps clinicians harness the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Leading treatment developers describe promising approaches for treating common challenges faced by young people with ASD - anxiety and behavior problems, social competence issues, and adolescent concerns around sexuality and intimacy. Chapters present session-by-session overviews of each intervention program, review its evidence base, and address practical considerations in treatment. The book also discusses general issues in adapting CBT for this population and provides a helpful framework for assessment and case conceptualization.

Part I: Theoretical Background. Scarpa, Lorenzi, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Children and Adolescents: History and Principles. Attwood, Scarpa, Modifications of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning ASD and Their Common Difficulties. Mazefsky, White, The Role of Assessment in Guiding Treatment Planning for Youth with ASD. Part II: Anxiety and Behavior Problems. Green, Wood, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth with ASD: Emotional, Adaptive, and Social Outcomes. Reaven, Blakeley-Smith, Parental Involvement in Treating Anxiety in Youth with High-Functioning ASD. Williams White, Scahill, Ollendick, Multimodal Treatment for Anxiety and Social Skills Difficulties in Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. Scarpa, Reyes, Attwood, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Stress and Anger Management in Young Children with ASD: The Exploring Feelings Program. Part III: Social Competence. Beaumont, Sofronoff, Multimodal Intervention for Social Skills Training in Students with Asperger Syndrome: The Secret Agent Society. Lopata, Thomeer, Volker, Lee, A Manualized Summer Program for Social Skills in Children with High-Functioning ASD. Bauminger-Zviely, Cognitive-Behavioral-Ecological Intervention to Facilitate Social-Emotional Understanding and Social Interaction in Youth with High-Functioning ASD. Part IV: Sexuality and Affection. Attwood, Expressing and Enjoying Love and Affection: A Cognitive-Behavioral Program for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. Henault, Understanding Relationships and Sexuality in Individuals with Asperger Syndrome. Part V: Concluding Remarks. Williams White, Scarpa, Attwood, What Do We Know about Psychosocial Interventions for Youth with High-Functioning ASD, and Where Do We Go from Here?