Autism Therapy: group therapy

definition of group therapy: not yet defined.

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Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, by Reaven, JA, Blakely_Smith A., Nichols S., Dansari M., Flanigan E., and Hepburn S., published in 2009, summarized Apr 16, 2009

Group cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety in children with autism.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether group (parent and child) cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy could reduce anxiety symptoms in children with high-functioning autism. The study used two measures of anxiety: parent reports, and child reports. Parents noted a decrease in anxiety symptoms after the group therapy intervention. The study had only 33 children with an average age of 12. The authors also note that the study did not have a control group.


Language Therapy and Autism: Results of Three Different Models
Pro-Fono Revista de Atualizacao Cientifica, by Fernandes, FD, Cardoso C., Sassi FC, Amato CLH, and SousaMorato PF, published in 2008, summarized Mar 3, 2009

Speech therapy can be tailored to the needs of the child with autism and the family.

This study was designed to see if speech therapy can help children with autism to communicate. The study had 36 children who were placed in three treatment groups: A) group therapy followed by private therapy, B) mother-child therapy followed by group therapy, C) private therapy only. There did not seem to be a difference in the progress between the three groups. All children stayed the same or developed speech and social skills. The authors note that the children did not lose ground when the type of therapy was changed.


Social Skills Group Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Clinical Case Studies, by Ruble, L., Willis H., and Crabtree VM, published in 2008, summarized Oct 1, 2008

Outpatient social skills groups may be helpful in teaching social skills to children with autism.

There is a real need to provide help for children with autism. The authors believe that doctors and researchers need to talk in order to create therapies that will meet the needs of these children. This case study describes a social skills group for children with autism who were referred to the group by a doctor (as opposed to being asked to join for a research purpose). The study observed the children during group therapy and relied on parent and teacher reports of social skills once the therapy was over. The study measured conversation and problem solving.


Asperger’s Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment
Am J Psychiatry, by Toth, K., and King BH, published in 2008, summarized Sep 12, 2008

Social skills therapy and speech therapy may be helpful for children with Asperger syndrome.

Most children with Asperger syndrome are diagnosed at age 11 years (as opposed to 5.5 years for autism). People with Asperger syndrome are also at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and seizures. This article is a case study of a 15-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome who represents a current problem in psychiatry. The main focus of the therapy for this boy was teaching him social skills. Social skills can be taught using friendship groups, group therapy programs, classroom activities, buddy programs, and mentor programs.


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Sisters with Autism Learn New Skills at The Silver Lining Group

Apr 27, 2009

The Miners of Ohio have two daughters with autism - both girls receive applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at the Silver Lining Group Early Intervention Center. The girls are on different ends of the autism spectrum, but both benefit from one-on-one treatment and group therapy. Co-owner, Michele Murphy states, "The No. 1 goal is to get kids in appropriate public school placement. Communication is the most important aspect and they need independent time to do what they enjoy."

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Kelberman Center Offers One-on-One and Group Therapy

Nov 27, 2007

The Kelberman Center in Utica, NY, offers early intervention one-on-one therapy as well as group therapy in speech and OT. Therapists work with children beginning at age 2 and will follow them through the school system. In addition, this past summer, they offered their first summer camp for children with autism.

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    • Synonyms for group therapy include: group sessions
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