Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Educational and Psychological Studies

Major Professor

Evan Dart, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

Nathaniel von der Embse, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kimberly Crosland, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Committee Member

John Ferron, Ph.D.

Keywords

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Skills

Abstract

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent co-occurring diagnoses in autistic youth, often exacerbating challenges in social functioning and quality of friendships. While social skills interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have demonstrated efficacy in addressing these difficulties separately, limited research has examined the integration of these approaches within an individualized format, while including measures of self-report and generalization of skills. This study investigates the development, implementation, and efficacy of a combined CBT/social skill intervention for autistic youth with symptoms of anxiety. Utilizing a single-case multiple baseline design, the study evaluates outcomes across levels of anxiety symptoms and social competence in a sample of three participants ages 11-13. Findings indicate significant increases in participants’ levels of social competence and significant decreases in levels of anxiety symptoms. These results suggest that an individualized, combined CBT/social skills intervention may offer a promising, flexible model for supporting autistic youth with anxiety symptoms. Practical implications and future directions for research are discussed.

Download

Share

COinS