Anxiety is a common challenge faced by young people with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). As practitioners, understanding the most effective therapeutic approaches is crucial. A recent pilot randomised controlled trial compared Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with person-centred counselling to address this issue. This blog delves into the findings and implications of this study, offering insights to enhance your practice.
The Study: Comparing CBT and Counselling
The study involved 36 young individuals aged 12-18 with ASD and anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to either a CBT intervention or person-centred counselling. The primary goal was to evaluate which approach was more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving social skills.
Outcome measures included reports from parents, teachers, and the participants themselves on anxiety and social disability. Surprisingly, the study found that both therapies produced improvements, but neither was significantly superior on any measure.
Key Findings
- Both CBT and counselling showed improvements in anxiety symptoms.
- No significant difference was found between the two therapies in terms of effectiveness.
- The study highlighted the importance of therapeutic alliance in treatment outcomes.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings offer several takeaways for practitioners working with young people with ASD:
Diverse Approaches Can Be Effective
The lack of significant difference between CBT and counselling suggests that both approaches can be valuable. Practitioners should consider individual client preferences and needs when selecting a therapeutic approach.
Focus on Therapeutic Alliance
The study emphasized the role of therapeutic alliance in treatment success. Building strong relationships with clients can enhance therapy outcomes regardless of the specific intervention used.
Encourage Further Research
This pilot study opens avenues for further research. Larger-scale studies could provide more definitive evidence on the comparative effectiveness of these therapies. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing research and incorporate new findings into their practice.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of both CBT and counselling in managing anxiety among young people with high-functioning ASD. As a practitioner, leveraging these insights can help tailor interventions to better meet the needs of your clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Versus a Counselling Intervention for Anxiety in Young People with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.
