Autism and Obsessive –Compulsive Disorder

Effective, contemporary techniques to address OCD in clients with ASD Persons with autism spectrum disorder experience disproportionately high rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Traditionally, board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) do not receive training on the behaviors and behavioral changes associated with an OCD diagnosis. Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder provides foundational information about OCD and its co-occurrence with autism spectrum disorder, allowing BCBAs to ethically serve their clients within their professional scope of competence. Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder clarifies key distinctions between restricted and repetitive behaviors and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. It includes examples of techniques and behavioral terminology aligned with radical behaviorism, as well as discussions regarding a BCBA’s relationship to exposure and response prevention and acceptance and commitment therapy. Highlights include: A brief, foundational exploration of various types of OCDKey terms and references for navigating research and terminology on OCD from a radical behavior analytic approachStrategies for supporting clients with obsessive-compulsive behaviors Difficulties autistic individuals may encounter in acquiring a formal OCD diagnosisGuidance for working within professional scope of competence when serving autistic clients with OCDCollaboration practices with other licensed professionals While written for professional BCBAs, Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder also serves to provide education and support to other behavior professionals working with these unique individuals.