ASSOCIATED CURRENT STUDIES
Cognitive Enhancement
Therapy (CET) and Enriched Supportive Therapy (EST) for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Shaun
Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
National Institutes of Health, Autism Speaks and Pa. Dept. of Health
Cognitive
Enhancement Therapy (CET) was developed in the 1990's by Professor G.E.
Hogarty for the treatment of social and non-social cognitive impairments
in schizophrenia. The positive findings of CET in schizophrenia
led the investigators and other researchers to consider the potential
applicability of the intervention to other disorders that are
characterized by core deficits in information processing and social
cognition. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were viewed
as primary candidates due to their chronic and debilitating nature, the
presence of pervasive impairments in social cognition and the lack of
available interventions for adults with ASD. In 2009, CET
investigators began collaborating with University of Pittsburgh CeFAR
director, Dr. Nancy Minshew to adapt and conduct the initial feasibility
studies of CET in ASD. An ongoing randomized-controlled
trial is currently being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh to
confirm these findings and establish the evidence base for CET in verbal
adults with ASD. This research study is
designed to examine the potential benefits of two novel non-drug
interventions. Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) and Enriched
Supportive Therapy (EST), in the treatment of adults with autism
spectrum disorders.
CET is a comprehensive rehabilitation intervention
designed to improve the social and non-social cognitive impairments that
limit adaptive function and quality of life in certain neurodevelopmental
disorders. The treatment integrates computer-based cognitive
remediation exercises in attention, memory and problem-solving with a
small group-based social-cognitive training curriculum designed to
improve perspective-taking, social context appraisal, emotion perception and management, and other key aspects of social cognition. Through these integrated activities, CET addresses the core
neurocognitive and social-cognitive deficits experienced by verbal
adults with autism spectrum disorders.
EST
is an individual
supportive therapy approach that helps adults learn about their
condition, manage their emotions and stress, improve their social skills
and cope with everyday problems.
Eligible participants
will be randomly selected for either CET or EST and treated for 18
months with weekly visits to the University of Pittsburgh. Cognitive, behavioral and neurobiological measures are
collected to examine the efficacy of the two approaches in the treatment
of adults with autism spectrum disorders.
This short story will give you
more information about the procedures/activities involved in participation in the
Perspectives Program.
To view the story,
"Click" on the photo.
The Perspectives Program research is highlighted on the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) website at
cdmrp.army.mil. |
Investigators
Associated Current Studies
Emotional Responding
Assess Distress
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
Visual Processing