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Psychological interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders: a review

Psychological interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders: a review Purpose– Adults who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience a range of core and co-morbid characteristics which impede daily functioning and quality of life. Children and adolescents with ASD derive clinically meaningful benefits from psychological interventions, including those designed to reduce socio-communication deficits and mental health conditions. Relatively little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions for the adult ASD population. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach– A selective search of English language, peer-reviewed publications was undertaken, in order to summarise the empirical data pertaining to psychological interventions for adults with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). Findings– Thus far, social skills interventions, cognitive behaviour therapy techniques, and mindfulness-based approaches have been researched most extensively. Interventions have primarily sought to: reduce the impact of core ASD characteristics; enhance skills; and improve co-morbid mental health symptoms. Methodological and clinical heterogeneity render it difficult to generalise study findings across population samples, but overall, interventions appear to be associated with reductions in co-morbid symptom severity, and improved functioning. Research limitations/implications– Further studies that seek to improve functioning, reduce co-morbid characteristics, and enhance the propensity for attaining and maintaining independence are now needed. Practical implications– Adaptations to standard treatment protocols are likely required in order to enhance engagement and optimise treatment gains. Originality/value– This is one of the first reviews to focus specifically on psychological interventions for adults with HF-ASD. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Advances in Autism Emerald Publishing

Psychological interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders: a review

Spain, Debbie; Harwood, Laura; O'Neill, Lucy
Advances in Autism , Volume 1 (2): 8 – Oct 29, 2015
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
2056-3868
DOI
10.1108/AIA-05-2015-0007
Publisher site
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Abstract

Purpose– Adults who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience a range of core and co-morbid characteristics which impede daily functioning and quality of life. Children and adolescents with ASD derive clinically meaningful benefits from psychological interventions, including those designed to reduce socio-communication deficits and mental health conditions. Relatively little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions for the adult ASD population. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach– A selective search of English language, peer-reviewed publications was undertaken, in order to summarise the empirical data pertaining to psychological interventions for adults with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). Findings– Thus far, social skills interventions, cognitive behaviour therapy techniques, and mindfulness-based approaches have been researched most extensively. Interventions have primarily sought to: reduce the impact of core ASD characteristics; enhance skills; and improve co-morbid mental health symptoms. Methodological and clinical heterogeneity render it difficult to generalise study findings across population samples, but overall, interventions appear to be associated with reductions in co-morbid symptom severity, and improved functioning. Research limitations/implications– Further studies that seek to improve functioning, reduce co-morbid characteristics, and enhance the propensity for attaining and maintaining independence are now needed. Practical implications– Adaptations to standard treatment protocols are likely required in order to enhance engagement and optimise treatment gains. Originality/value– This is one of the first reviews to focus specifically on psychological interventions for adults with HF-ASD.

Journal

Advances in Autism – Emerald Publishing

Published: Oct 29, 2015

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