Examining the Efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This paper examines the efficacy of two types of treatment for anxiety and other related disorders among children and adolescents with high functioning autism- applied behavior analysis (ABA) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ABA is a type of treatment that focuses on changing behavior through the use of reinforcement or punishment. CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing thoughts and beliefs in order to change behavior.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that both ABA and CBT are effective in treating anxiety and other related disorders among children and adolescents with high functioning autism. However, there is still some debate about which type of treatment is more effective. Some studies suggest that ABA is more effective than CBT, while other studies suggest that CBT is more effective than ABA.

Reducing anxiety and other related disorders among children and adolescents with high functioning autism is important because these disorders can interfere with social, academic, and emotional functioning. ABA and CBT are two promising treatments for reducing anxiety and other related disorders among children and adolescents with high functioning autism. Further research is needed to determine which type of treatment is more effective.

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Barrett, P., & Duffy, A. (2001). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with Asperger’s syndrome: A review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(3), 279-293.

Cohen, J. L., & Volkmar, F. R. (1997). Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders (2nd ed.). New York: Wiley.