Emotion regulation in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Emotion regulation is important for mental health, well-being, social decision making, and financial success, yet limited investigations have been conducted into emotion regulation in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this series of studies was to investigate emotion regulation in adolescents and young adults with ASD, report on the prevalence of emotion regulation issues, and to evaluate a group cognitive behavioural intervention aimed at improving emotion regulation skills. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with adolescents and young adults with ASD, parents of adolescents and young adults with ASD, teachers, and psychologists (N = 26), to capture a preliminary picture of emotion regulation in this population, and to probe for triggers of troublesome emotions and successful coping strategies. Next, an online survey was launched (N = 179) to estimate rates of depression and anxiety in this population, and to reveal potential predictors of mood disorder symptoms to be considered for intervention. From the information gathered from the survey, and interventions already evaluated in previous literature, it was concluded that a there was a need for an evaluation of a cognitive behavioural intervention targeting depression in adolescents with ASD. Therefore, the final study of this project was a pilot randomised controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural intervention targeting symptoms of depression. Despite recruitment difficulties (N = 20), there was preliminary evidence to suggest the intervention may be successful in reducing symptoms of depression in this population. The trial is further illustrated by qualitative findings and case studies.