Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorders

A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effect of Cognitive-behavioural Therapy for High-functioning Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an effective intervention program for children with High-Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorder to remediate anxiety issues.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Assessed to have Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified by the DSM-IV criteria, based on clinical interview, Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
• Child have a Verbal Comprehension Index of 80 and Perceptual Reasoning Index of 90 and above
• No change of medication dosage 1 month prior to the commencement of program for the child and through out the duration of the study
• Written parental consent and assent from children above 12 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with Verbal Comprehension Index of 80 and Perceptual Reasoning Index of 90 and below.
• Children who are undergoing other Cognitive Behavioural treatment program concurrently
• Those without parental consent will not be able to participate