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. 2010 Mar;13(1):77-90.
doi: 10.1007/s10567-009-0062-3.

Development of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program to treat anxiety and social deficits in teens with high-functioning autism

Susan W White  1 , Anne Marie Albano, Cynthia R Johnson, Connie Kasari, Thomas Ollendick, Ami Klin, Donald Oswald, Lawrence Scahill
Affiliations

Development of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program to treat anxiety and social deficits in teens with high-functioning autism

Susan W White et al. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2010 Mar.

Abstract

Anxiety is a common co-occurring problem among young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication problems, and stereotyped behavior and restricted interests, this group of disorders is more prevalent than previously realized. When present, anxiety may compound the social deficits of young people with ASD. Given the additional disability and common co-occurrence of anxiety in ASD, we developed a manual-based cognitive-behavioral treatment program to target anxiety symptoms as well as social skill deficits in adolescents with ASD [Multimodal Anxiety and Social Skills Intervention: MASSI]. In this paper, we describe the foundation, content, and development of MASSI. We also summarize data on treatment feasibility based on a pilot study that implemented the intervention.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
MASSI Conceptual Model
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Example of handout from curriculum
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Example of handout from curriculum
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Fig. 4
Case Conceptualization
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
MASSI Modules
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Beaumont R, Sofrononoff K. A multi-component social skills intervention for children with Asperger syndrome: The junior detective training program. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2008;49(7):743–753. - PubMed
    1. Bellini S. Social skill deficits and anxiety in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. 2004;19:78–86.

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