While a significant body of literature demonstrates the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating child and adolescent anxiety, relatively little research has examined its application in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies suggest that enhanced CBT benefits this population, but additional information is needed to guide the development and delivery of individualized interventions in natural settings. Towards this end, this project consists of pragmatic case studies of CBT therapy with two 15-year-old adolescents, “Brian” and Bridgette,” who both have ASD—although with different levels of severity, and comorbid anxiety disorder. Together the clients exemplify the diversity and complexity of the needs of relatively high functioning adolescents with the combination of these disorders. The case studies are designed to examine the adaptation of empirically supported practices in order to appropriately address common and idiosyncratic features of ASD within school-based mental health service delivery. The sequence of the clients is noteworthy. Brian, the higher functioning client, was seen short-term for 8 sessions; and a year later, clinical lessons learned from Brian’s therapy were applied to the design of the longer-term treatment of 65 sessions over two years for Bridgette, the lower functioning client. A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of therapy processes and outcomes offers insight into the particular intervention strategies and modifications that helped each client. The benefits and barriers of school-based mental health service delivery are considered.
Subject (authority = RUETD)
Topic
School Psychology
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TitleInfo
Title
Rutgers University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier (type = RULIB)
ETD
Identifier
ETD_8446
PhysicalDescription
Form (authority = gmd)
electronic resource
InternetMediaType
application/pdf
InternetMediaType
text/xml
Extent
1 online resource (ix, 150 p. : ill.)
Note (type = degree)
Psy.D.
Note (type = bibliography)
Includes bibliographical references
Subject (authority = ETD-LCSH)
Topic
Cognitive therapy
Subject (authority = ETD-LCSH)
Topic
Autism spectrum disorders
Note (type = statement of responsibility)
by Arielle S. Gartenberg
RelatedItem (type = host)
TitleInfo
Title
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier (type = local)
rucore10001800001
Location
PhysicalLocation (authority = marcorg); (displayLabel = Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
Rutgers University. Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
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Type
License
Name
Author Agreement License
Detail
I hereby grant to the Rutgers University Libraries and to my school the non-exclusive right to archive, reproduce and distribute my thesis or dissertation, in whole or in part, and/or my abstract, in whole or in part, in and from an electronic format, subject to the release date subsequently stipulated in this submittal form and approved by my school. I represent and stipulate that the thesis or dissertation and its abstract are my original work, that they do not infringe or violate any rights of others, and that I make these grants as the sole owner of the rights to my thesis or dissertation and its abstract. I represent that I have obtained written permissions, when necessary, from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis or dissertation and will supply copies of such upon request by my school. I acknowledge that RU ETD and my school will not distribute my thesis or dissertation or its abstract if, in their reasonable judgment, they believe all such rights have not been secured. I acknowledge that I retain ownership rights to the copyright of my work. I also retain the right to use all or part of this thesis or dissertation in future works, such as articles or books.