Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder
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Abstract
Research suggests that there is a high degree of comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive-compulsive behaviours (OCBs). Further, a convincing body of literature has found family-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to be an effective treatment for these behaviours in both typically developing children and children with ASD. However, CBT is costly and not accessible to many families, including those in rural communities. In order to address these concerns, a growing body of literature has evaluated Internet-delivered CBT to treat typically developing children with OCD. However, previous research has not evaluated treatment outcomes for Internet-delivered CBT to treat OCB in children with ASD. Using a multiple-baseline-across-behaviours research design, the present study examined a 9-week Internet-delivered function-based CBT manualized treatment package to treat OCB in 2 school aged children with ASD. The treatment included weekly WebEx video sessions, parent training, and online assignments. In addition, caregiver interviews took place 15- to 18-months post intervention for the researcher to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the program, as well as the impact of the pandemic. The results showed a decrease in all treated OCBs both post-treatment and 7- to 9- months following treatment. Caregivers also described a number of challenges that they had encountered related to COVID-19. Although preliminary, the results suggest that Internet-delivered CBT may be an effective treatment choice for children with ASD (i.e., IQ >70) and OCBs.