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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a parent-mediated cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group anxiety intervention with young children with high functioning forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Thirty-one children aged four to six years with ASD and anxiety were randomly assigned to treatment or waitlist control conditions. Outcomes were assessed via parent-report measures of child anxiety and emotional awareness. Parental outcomes were also investigated via self-report.
At post-treatment no treatment effects were found for child or parent outcomes. However, by three-month follow-up for the completer sample, children in the treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in internalizing behaviours and there was a trend for a reduction in anxiety compared to pre-treatment. For parent outcomes, at three-month follow-up for the completer sample, no significant effects were found.
Results provided preliminary evidence that children may make some gains in terms of anxiety subsequent to their parents attending a group CBT intervention for anxiety.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Dr Julia M.Cook earned her D Psych (Clin) from Griffith University in 2016 under the supervision of Dr Caroline Donovan and Dr Michelle Garnett. Her research focused on treatment programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid anxiety. She is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with AHPRA, and is a member of the APS and APS College of Clinical Psychologists.
Dr Caroline L. Donovan is Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University. She has co-authored 56 publications, has been cited 2408 times, and has attracted over $AU1.4 million in research grant funding. Her current research focuses on treatment programs for youth anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as body image issues amongst males and females. She is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with AHPRA, and is a full member of the APS and the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.
Dr Michelle S. Garnett is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director/Founder of Minds & Hearts: A Clinic for Autism Spectrum Conditions, Brisbane, Australia. She has specialized in autism spectrum conditions for 24 years, developing expertise in all subtypes of autism across all ages. She has co-authored three books on autism, and a number of peer reviewed journal articles. She provides training in ASC for postgraduate clinical students for four Australian Universities, has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences and workshop events and is a workshop presenter for entry to the Medicare PDD Provider List in Australia.