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Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of social skills deficits and social phobia in a man with an autism spectrum disorder: a single-case study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

Mark A. Turner  and
Neil Hammond
Mark A. Turner*
Affiliation:
Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust National Services, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
Neil Hammond
Affiliation:
Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust National Services, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
*
*Author for corresponding: Dr M. A. Turner, Room 28, Counting House, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK (email: mark.turner@gstt.nhs.uk).
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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including high-functioning types such as Asperger's syndrome (AS) are diagnosed when there is evidence of a triad of qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviours. It is not uncommon for these impairments to be accompanied by social anxiety. The present single-case study investigates the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat a 47-year-old man who was assessed as having difficulties with social skills and social phobia in the context of a late diagnosis of AS. He received 20 h of CBT adapted for his AS in 15 sessions including a 1-month follow-up. Following a highly individualized formulation, treatment included modelling, role-playing, reinforcement, thought challenging, and behavioural experimentation. Results from five self-report measures showed continued improvements from the start of therapy to follow-up in social anxiety, global distress, depression and self-esteem. The client gave positive feedback about his experience of treatment. The case study is discussed with reference to limitations and some reflections for CBT in ASD.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorderssocial skillssocial anxiety.
Type
Practice article
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 9 , 2016 , e3
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2016 

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References

Recommended follow-up reading

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Wells, A (1997). Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: a Practice Manual and Conceptual Guide. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar

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