I’ve been reading a lot about therapies and autism. I know there is strong indication that ABA, in the extremes, could be regarded as emotional mistreatment for autistic people.

I have been trying to find information about CBT applied to autistic children and adolescents, and have mostly come across neutral or positive articles and opinions. Granted, most of those are in publications that share similar views of ABA.

Is there a general consensus or impression on the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the treatment of social issues (addiction, social isolation, …) on autistic children and adolescents?

I would appreciate any insight and/or links to articles, opinions, studies, etc.

Thanks!

  • octopersonEnglish
    19·
    1 year ago

    Caveats: I’m self-suspecting, but not diagnosed autistic. I have taken CBT for depression, not social issues. It was as an adult, not an adolescent.

    I found it pretty difficult to apply to my issues. I struggle to identify emotions and to attribute them to thoughts, particularly when I’m in distress. So it feels like CBT is aimed at a different type of mind. I found more success with therapies that center the body. Behavioural activation, mindfulness.

    One unexpected benefit of CBT was that, through its worked examples, it gives an insight into how others think. Apparently people invest a lot of thought into imagining personal disasters. Who knew? No wonder so many people are anxious all the time.