Psychological interventions for adults with ASD: clinical approaches
Abstract
Purpose
Empirical research indicates that adults who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can derive clinically and statistically meaningful benefits from individual and group-based psychological interventions, specifically those which employ skills-based, behavioural, and cognitive techniques. Given the inherent socio-communication, executive functioning, and theory of mind impairments that individuals with ASD can experience, it is deemed necessary to modify the design and delivery of interventions so as to enhance engagement and outcomes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This general review provides a summary of the extant literature and clinical guidelines for the provision of psychological interventions for adults with ASD.
Findings
Adaptations to the structure, process, content, and outcome measurement are outlined. It is likely that optimal treatment gains for adults with ASD are contingent on a prolonged assessment phase, pre-therapy interventions including psycho-education and skills-based interventions, thoughtful regard to the formulation of presenting difficulties, and consideration of, and methods to overcome, the difficulties that may arise when seeking to implement change, identify goals, and manage endings.
Originality/value
This is one of the first reviews to condense the clinical implications for providing psychological interventions for adults with ASD.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
DS is funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (CDRF - 2012 - 03 - 059). The review presents independent research funded by the NIHR. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Citation
Spain, D., O'Neill, L., Harwood, L. and Chaplin, E. (2016), "Psychological interventions for adults with ASD: clinical approaches", Advances in Autism, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 24-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-09-2015-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited