A Parent-Mediated, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Treatment for Young Children With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Anxiety: Development and Case Illustration of the Fun With Feelings Program
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markercook, J., Donovan, C. L., & Garnett, M. S. (2017). A Parent-Mediated, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Treatment for Young Children With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Anxiety: Development and Case Illustration of the Fun With Feelings Program. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 31(3), 204-224. https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.31.3.204
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Abstract
Comorbid anxiety is increasingly being recognized as a significant concern in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD; Selles & Storch, 2013). Given the significant short and long term impact of anxiety on the functioning of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; e.g., Bellini, 2004; Ben-Sasson et al., 2008), it is imperative that children with HFASD and comorbid anxiety receive intervention as early as is possible. Despite this need, there is a currently a dearth of research examining anxiety management programs for young children with HFASD. This article describes the development of a parent-mediated, cognitive behavioral therapy, group program for anxiety in 4- to 6-year-old children with HFASD. It provides a detailed discussion of the strategies taught to parents and children and highlights some of the challenges involved. A case study is also presented to illustrate progression and outcomes brought about through the program.
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