Group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social interaction anxiety in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Spain, Debbie; Blainey, Sarah; Vaillancourt, Kyla

doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2017.07.005

Cited by 32 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…Following this eight week standalone group intervention, participants reported signi cantly lower social anxiety levels across all subdomains (avoidance, fear and overall social anxiety).These observed reductions in social anxiety are consistent with prior research indicating the e cacy of CBT in the treatment of SAD in ASD [7]. The observed small-to-medium treatment effect size found is comparable to that reported by Spain et al (2017). Acknowledging the high prevalence of anxiety in adult ASD populations (50-70%), the necessity to successfully reduce anxiety is critical.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Unlike prior intervention studies targeting both social anxiety and social functioning (Spain et al 2017 andWhite et al, 2013), the current study was the rst to show statistically signi cant improvements across both social anxiety and social functioning measures. The level of improvement found on social functioning as a result of group skills intervention is also consistent with prior studies [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

“…In line with research demonstrating the bene ts of CBT programs in improving social anxiety (Spain et al 2017) and social functioning (White et al, 2013), we hypothesised that the CBT group intervention would result in reductions on both the primary measures of social anxiety and social functioning de cits. Due to the mixed ndings in the literature related to the effect of CBT group interventions on general mental health [27,37], we made no speci c hypotheses as to the impact of the intervention on mood or psychological distress.…”

mentioning

confidence: 54%

“…Signi cant improvements in social functioning were found in four studies, however, across all studies the improvements in social functioning did not generalise to improvements in either social anxiety or general mental health [25]. One study however, reported contrasting ndings, with participants displaying change in social anxiety, but no change in social functioning or general mental health (Spain et al, 2017) The lack of change on mood outcomes across GSSIs for adults with ASD is inconsistent with other literature demonstrating the e cacy of group interventions (especially CBT-based) in improving mental health outcomes for adults with SAD [7,26]. An exception to this was a study that involved adults with ASD (aged 18-29) which reported increases in social functioning and signi cant small-to-medium treatment effects on mood upon completion of the intervention [27].…”

mentioning

confidence: 85%

“…In joint social anxiety and social functioning interventions, the MASSI was found to signi cantly improve social functioning, while the Social Skills Intervention improved social anxiety but not mood or social functioning [36,37]. To date, it is not known if equivalent treatment effects across both domains can be achieved through a stand-alone group intervention, and whether they can be achieved without the supplement of individual psychological sessions.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bemmer

Boulton

Thomas

et al. 2020

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Background: There is a strong research imperative to investigate efficacious treatment options for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning, and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a group intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method: Participants completed an eight-week, modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning. Sixty adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 33 (M = 22.23; SD = 4.62), were recruited from the community, Headspace, and referrals to the Autism Clinic for Translational Research. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires, and participants were invited to provide feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention).Results: Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased, and social functioning difficulties improved post intervention, particularly in overall social functioning, social awareness and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress). All improvements demonstrated small-to-medium effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program.Limitations: The absence of a control group and use of a randomized controlled trial, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures, and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention is an efficacious treatment for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The standalone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates potential clinical utility, and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

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confidence: 54%

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confidence: 85%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bemmer

Boulton

Thomas

et al. 2020

Preprint

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The social responsiveness scale is an efficient screening tool for autism spectrum disorder traits in adults with anorexia nervosa

Kerr-Gaffney

Harrison

Tchanturia

2020

Euro Eating Disorders Rev

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Objective A significant proportion of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) show high levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, a factor associated with poorer treatment outcomes. An important question for both researchers and clinicians relates to how ASD traits should be assessed in individuals with AN. This study aimed to examine scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale adult self‐report version (SRS‐2) in individuals in the acute (AN) and recovered stages (REC) of illness compared to healthy controls (HCs). We also aimed to examine associations between the SRS‐2 and an observational diagnostic measure, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ‐ second edition (ADOS‐2). Method The SRS‐2 and ADOS‐2 were administered to 142 adults with AN, REC, and HCs. Eating disorder (ED) psychopathology and functional impairment were also assessed. Results AN and REC scored significantly higher than HCs on the SRS‐2. SRS‐2 scores significantly predicted ADOS‐2 classification and were positively associated with ED psychopathology and functional impairment. SRS‐2 scores were not associated with BMI or illness duration. Conclusions The SRS‐2 may be a useful tool in screening for ASD traits in individuals with AN. Although cross‐sectional, the results also suggest ASD symptoms are independent of BMI and persist in individuals recovered from AN.

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Friendships and Social Relationships of Autistic Individuals Across the Lifespan: A Focus on Often-Overlooked Autistic Women

Figueroa

Baczewski

Kasari

2022

Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social interaction anxiety in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Cited by 32 publications

References 63 publications

Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Modified CBT for Social Anxiety and Social Functioning in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The social responsiveness scale is an efficient screening tool for autism spectrum disorder traits in adults with anorexia nervosa

Friendships and Social Relationships of Autistic Individuals Across the Lifespan: A Focus on Often-Overlooked Autistic Women

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