Treating obsessive‐compulsive disorder in the presence of autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent comorbidity (about 17%) for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite this, clear modifications and utilization of evidence‐based techniques for the treatment of comorbid OCD have not been widely disseminated; to date, there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of modifications in OCD treatment for children and adolescents with comorbid ASD and only one RCT for modifications of a targeted OCD treatment in adults with ASD. Adapted approaches to CBT for anxiety in ASD are not always appropriate; indeed, some modified therapies for comorbid anxiety and ASD specifically advise against using those treatments for comorbid OCD. This article seeks to elucidate methods or modifications, founded in evidence‐based principles, for treating OCD in children and adolescents with ASD.