Modular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for a Young Adult With Autism Spectrum Disorder,Comorbid Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,and Social Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

This case report outlines the use of a modular cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in an 18-year-old female, “Jaina,” with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Jaina completed 16 weekly CBT sessions that lasted approximately 60 min each. On completing the program, Jaina’s symptom severity for treatment targets of OCD and SAD had reduced based on the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; ADIS-5). In addition, overall anxiety symptom severity reduction was evident at posttreatment based on the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S). This case report supports the use of a modular CBT program (developed for late adolescents and young adults with ASD and comorbid anxiety/OCD) for OCD and SAD.