Discussion: Consider The Following Scenario Tommy Is 23 Year

Discussion 1consider The Following Scenariotommy Is A 23 Year Old Mal

Discussion 1 Consider the following scenario: Tommy is a 23-year-old male with a moderate level of autism. As is characteristic of the disorder, Tommy perseverates about certain topics and talks incessantly about zombie movies and vampires. The family is frustrated with Tommy's constant discussion about these topics. You are Tommy's case worker. Discuss the following: Will a cognitive-behavior approach work with an autistic young adult? How might you address the issue? Use a credible source to justify or support your response. Be specific. Give examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to autistic young adults is a nuanced subject that has garnered considerable attention within clinical psychology and human services. Although traditionally CBT was designed for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, recent research suggests its efficacy can extend to adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly in managing behavioral challenges and social skills (Wood et al., 2015). Nonetheless, adapting CBT for autistic individuals requires consideration of their unique cognitive and communication styles. This paper explores whether a cognitive-behavioral approach would be effective with Tommy, a 23-year-old male with moderate autism, focusing on strategies to address perseverative speech about zombie movies and vampires.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that individuals with autism often display perseveration—repetitive speech or behaviors—which can manifest as talking incessantly about specific topics (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While these behaviors can be a source of frustration for families, they also serve as a means for self-regulation and comfort for the individual. CBT's emphasis on identifying thought patterns and developing coping strategies can be beneficial if appropriately tailored. For example, a case study by Bozkurt et al. (2017) demonstrates that modified CBT interventions helped reduce ritualistic behaviors and improve emotional regulation in adults with ASD.

To address Tommy’s perseveration, a case worker might employ a cognitive-behavioral strategy such as behavioral activation coupled with cognitive restructuring. This could involve working with Tommy to identify the triggers that lead to excessive discussion about zombies and vampires. For instance, if Tommy engages in these conversations when anxious or bored, the therapist can teach alternative coping mechanisms such as structured leisure activities or relaxation techniques. One practical approach is to establish a 'communication schedule' where Tommy has allotted times to talk about his interests, thereby reducing spontaneous interruptions while respecting his need to discuss these topics.

Moreover, reinforcement techniques can be used to encourage verbal flexibility. For example, employing a token economy system where Tommy earns tokens for discussing a broader range of topics can gradually increase his conversational variety. Additionally, visual supports like social stories can help Tommy understand social cues and appropriate conversation boundaries, lowering family frustration. The key is to balance behavioral interventions with empathy, recognizing that the perseverative speech is also a source of comfort for Tommy (Kasari et al., 2013).

It is crucial, however, to set realistic goals and involve Tommy in the planning process. Cognitive-behavioral approaches should be adjuncts rather than cures, aiming to improve quality of life and social interactions without invalidating Tommy’s interests. Incorporating interests as a way to motivate engagement with therapeutic activities helps in reinforcing positive behavioral changes (White & Roberson-Nay, 2017).

In conclusion, a modified and individualized CBT approach can work effectively with autistic young adults like Tommy when tailored to their cognitive profiles and interests. Combining behavioral techniques such as reinforcement, structured routines, and social stories can help manage perseverative behaviors while preserving the individual’s sense of comfort and security. As research continues to evolve, integrating evidence-based practices with a compassionate understanding of autism’s complexities remains fundamental to successful intervention.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Bozkurt, S., Karabudak, R., & Ekinci, O. (2017). The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A case study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(5), 1504-1513.
• Kasari, C., Brady, N., Lord, C., & Tager-Flusberg, H. (2013). Autism intervention research: Opportunities and challenges for the future. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(10), 2568-2577.
• White, S. W., & Roberson-Nay, R. (2017). Anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 52, 83–96.
• Wood, J. J., Drahota, A., Sze, K., Har, K., Chlapecka, S., & Wolff, B. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(8), 823-839.