Decreasing Anxiety, Rigidity, and Aggression: The Effects of ACT on Children with High-Functioning Autism and Other Related Disorders

• Main Author: Drewke, Blair Elizabeth
• Format: Others
• Published: OpenSIUC 2013
• Subjects: ACT; Aggression; Anxiety; high-functioning autism
• Online Access: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1295; https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2309&context=theses

The present study measures the effect of ACT on 3 children with high functioning autism. In a multiple probe design, the 3 participants received 15-20 minute ACT sessions over 20 days. The children completed a variety of worksheets, games, and activities stretched across the main components of ACT (cognitive defusion, values, commitment to action, acceptance, self as context, and being present). The frequencies of maladaptive target behavior were tracked daily for each participant. The success of ACT sessions was also measured by the AAQ (K), AAQ-II, and ACT self-report. Results are discussed regarding the scores of the assessments, longevity of the ACT sessions, and the frequency of target behaviors. The discussion looks the limitations of the currents study as well as how research can be extended in the future.