Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour

Functional Behavior-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Behavior in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience obsessions and/or compulsions that are similar to those specified in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) criteria for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, little research exists on effective interventions for OCD symptoms (referred to as OCBs) in ASD. In a randomized controlled trial, a manualized functional behavior-based cognitive-behavior therapy (Fb-CBT) consisting of traditional CBT components (psychoeducation and mapping, cognitive-behavioral skills training, exposure, and response prevention) as well as function-based behavioral assessment will be evaluated. Participants will be assigned randomly to Fb-CBT or treatment as usual (TAU). Primary and secondary outcome measures will be used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment, and will be administered at pre and post-intervention as well as six month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of ASD
• Presence of OCBs as defined by Sameness, Ritualistic and Compulsive subscales on the RBS-R
• a Full Scale IQ (WISC-IV; Wechsler, 2004) ≥ 70
• parent indicated no planned change in child medication during the study (unless the physician deemed the change medically necessary)

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation in treatment for anxiety
• participation in treatment for repetitive behaviour
• participation in treatment for intensive behavioural intervention