Abstract
BackgroundOne aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. We developed a psychoeducational program using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) for Japanese adolescents with high-functioning ASD and their parents.MethodsThis multisite study is a randomized controlled trial. In total, 24 participants will be assigned to the ACAT group and 24 to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. The ACAT group will receive a weekly 100-min session for 6 weeks, regular medical care, and one follow-up session. In this ongoing clinical trial, we will compare the scores of the measures recorded in the pre- and post-intervention stages between the ACAT and TAU groups. A total of 41 patients out of a target of 48 have participated in the trial to date. The primary outcome measure is the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures include Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation 3rd Edition, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales second edition, the Parenting Resilience Elements Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire 12, and the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children assessments, as well as an electroencephalographic recording.DiscussionIt is expected that participants in the ACAT group will significantly increase their self-understanding and awareness of ASD symptoms compared to those in the TAU group. Additionally, the ACAT group is expected to exhibit improved social adaptation and mental health if children and parents are able to better understand the ASD characteristics through sessions. This intervention will contribute to the establishment of an effective evidence-based treatment strategy for adolescents with ASD.Trial registrationUMIN Register 000029851. Registered on January 06, 2018
Highlights
One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support
Our goal is to examine the relative efficacy of the combination of psychoeducation and family cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) for both child/adolescent patients with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD) and their parents/ guardians after diagnosis
It has been reported that being diagnosed with ASD in the absence of aftercare avenues, including psychoeducation and assistance in increasing self-understanding, diminishes the benefit of a diagnosis [13, 17]
Summary
One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. Individuals with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD) have normal-range IQs and extensive verbal abilities and usually attend regular schools Their difficulties are potentially serious and can include impaired social relations, obsessions, and uneven levels of intellectual and cognitive functioning [4]. An extensive treatment has recently been made available to support the central characteristics of ASD early in life, as evidenced by the Early Start Denver Model [8] and parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in children with autism (PACT) [9]. These treatment programs are not available for people with autism post-early childhood. Individuals with autism who are diagnosed later may experience benefits in social functioning by gaining support, such as social skills training [10, 11] and/or reasonable accommodation [12]
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