Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for adults with Asperger's or autism

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for adults with Asperger's or autism

Dealing with emotions can be particularly difficult for adults diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome or autism. Cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly called CBT, can be an effective way to manage mental health problems, including difficult emotions such as depression, repetitive thoughts, or anxiety.

Many people with Asperger's, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fear the idea of ​​seeing a psychotherapist. The thought of analyzing past relationships, talking about early childhood experiences, and thinking about emotions can seem boring, pointless, or painful. You can imagine a therapy session like Freud did, or Woody Allen on a couch and the therapist nods and asks about dreams. Or they imagine a stereotypical TV therapist asking, “How did that make you feel?” over and over. With these images of therapy, it is not surprising that many people choose to live with their emotional pain rather than see a therapist.

But there are other options!

Therapy can be much more practical and goal-oriented than these pictures would have you believe, and that's exactly what interests many people with Asperger's or autism. And this is where CBT comes into play.

CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts (or cognitions), our emotions, and our behavior are intertwined. By becoming aware of, examining, and analyzing our thoughts, we can determine how those thoughts trigger depressive or anxious feelings or behaviors. The ideas behind the thoughts can be tested for false logic or false generalizations. Because many people with autism or Asperger's excel at logical thinking, it can seem very natural to examine their own thoughts for illogical patterns.

CBT deals with emotions, but in a concrete way. Emotions are discussed and often explained in detail so that they can be better understood. Many CBT therapists have their clients rate and measure their emotions to become more aware of them. How the emotion is experienced in the body can be explored. The idea is that a better understanding of emotions, how they feel, and what functions they serve can allow people to cope with them more easily. This practical and precise approach can also feel very natural for people on the autism spectrum.

Please do not confuse CBT with ABA. ABA, or applied behavior analysis, is often referred to as behavioral therapy, but is not cognitive behavioral therapy. ABA is a specific therapy often used with autistic children to teach them new behaviors. It is not psychotherapy, it does not address emotions or problems such as depression, anxiety or repetitive thoughts. CBT may include a behavioral theme such as: B. establishing a regular exercise program as part of symptom management, but it is not about giving adults small rewards every time they follow the therapist's instructions. There is also some confusion between cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy. Strictly speaking, cognitive therapy is a type of therapy that falls under the umbrella of the more general types of CBT. In practice, most therapists use the words “cognitive therapy” and “cognitive behavioral therapy” interchangeably.

Are you ready to try CBT? Most therapists do not call themselves CBT therapists because they may use other techniques. It's probably more important to find a therapist who is knowledgeable about Asperger's and autism and who genuinely enjoys working with people on the autism spectrum. Tell your potential therapist that you are interested in a more concrete, practical approach, define the goals you are looking for, and ask them to use CBT regularly.

You can feel better soon!

Inspired by Patricia J. Robinson