Facilitating behavior modification in adults with severe anxiety and autism spectrum disorder through short-term specific goal setting: A case report

Abstract

This report describes the treatment process for an adult with autistic spectrum disorder, comorbid depression, and anxiety. The client received 34 sessions that included psychoeducation, behavioral activation, and behavioral experiment. A psychiatric daycare service was used at the end of the treatment. In the early stages of treatment, the therapist set long-term and abstract treatment goals, resulting in insufficient behavioral change. Given this result, the therapist conducted case formulation again and reset short-term and concrete tasks related to the client's interests. This treatment effort was accompanied by modified behavior and reduced anxiety in the client. As the client's level of independence in daily life increased and improvements in family relationships and interpersonal behavior were observed, daycare was also used. Finally, the client was employed in social services. These results suggest that it is important to set short-term, specific tasks based on the client's interests when dealing with a case with autism and comorbid depression and anxiety.