Autism spectrum disorder and specific phobia. Treatment with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Report of two cases.
Description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social functioning and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association 2013). One of the most common psychiatric comorbidities of ASD is anxiety disorder; one study has found that 40% of children with ASD also present with specific phobias (SP) (Mayes et al. 2013).
The purpose of the present case report is to explore the viability and effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for two cases of patients with ASD and specific phobias. EMDR may be an appropriate therapy for patients with ASD as this treatment is largely non-verbal and can be adjusted for specific conditions, such as age and autism.
The purpose of the present case report is to explore the viability and effectiveness of EMDR as a treatment for two cases of patients with ASD and specific phobias. EMDR may be an appropriate therapy for patients with ASD as this treatment is largely non-verbal and can be adjusted for specific conditions, such as age and autism.
Format
Journal
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Firat, S., Atik, S., & Herguner, S. (2023). Autism spectrum disorder and specific phobia. Treatment with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Report of two cases. Psychiatria Danubina, 35(3), 440-444. doi:10.24869/psyd.2023.440
Collection
Citation
“Autism spectrum disorder and specific phobia. Treatment with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Report of two cases.,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed December 13, 2025, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29516.