Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Versus a Counselling Intervention for Anxiety in Young People with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

The use of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been explored in a number of trials. Whilst CBT appears superior to no treatment or treatment as usual, few studies have assessed CBT against a control group receiving an alternative therapy. Our randomised controlled trial compared use of CBT against person-centred counselling for anxiety in 36 young people with ASD, ages 12-18.

Take note of the fuss: selective eating and autistic spectrum disorders.

Selective eating in children can be a huge concern for parents. In most cases the problem is self-limiting and it can be associated with a developmental disorder. This article presents observations from two case studies from a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) in the south east of England that link selective eating with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome defined by the intrusive re-experiencing of trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma and increased hyperarousal. Although the condition is well established in adults, there is little research into PTSD in children and adolescents. The available research shows that young people experience similar symptoms to adults.

Sex differences in autism spectrum disorder: evidence from a large sample of children and adolescents.

Sex differences have been found amongst toddlers and young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated the presence and stability of these ASD sex differences throughout childhood and adolescence. Participants (N = 325, 52 females; aged 3-18 years) consecutively received an ASD diagnosis at a clinic for assessing high-functioning ASD (mean verbal IQ = 92.

Autistic spectrum disorders 2: diagnosis and management.

As many as six in every 1000 children may be affected by an autistic spectrum disorder. The previous article of this two-part series discussed the distinction between autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder, and examined the assessment process. This article looks at potential differential diagnoses that must be considered, as well as conditions associated with autism.

Autistic spectrum disorders. 1: Presentation and assessment.

As many as six in every 1000 children may be affected by an autistic spectrum disorder. Characterised by a triad of social communication difficulties, these children exhibit impairment in communication and socialisation, and restricted and repetitive interests, movements and activities. This article will discuss the distinction between autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

ADHD: assessment and intervention.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood. Although there is a lot of debate and controversy over the recognition of ADHD, it is generally accepted nowadays as a clinical disorder that may warrant treatment Children with ADHD are pervasively overactive, fidgety and disruptive. They have impaired attention and concentration and are impulsive.

Functional neuroimaging in early-onset anorexia nervosa.

Previous neuroimaging studies in early-onset anorexia nervosa provide evidence of limbic system dysfunction. The current study adds support to the possibility by revealing a significant association between unilateral reduction of blood flow in the temporal region and impaired visuospatial ability, impaired visual memory, and enhanced speed of information processing.

The developmental, dimensional and diagnostic interview (3di): a novel computerized assessment for autism spectrum disorders.

Objective: Autism is a diagnostic spectrum of variable severity, with significant comorbidity. No existing standardized interview measures autistic features dimensionally. The authors aimed to develop a parental autism interview that could be administered to unselected clinical and general population samples that measures both symptom intensity and comorbidity across the full range of the autistic spectrum.

Early-onset anorexia nervosa: is there evidence of limbic system imbalance?

Objective: This study, part of a continuing effort to understand the pathophysiology of the brain in early-onset anorexia nervosa, attempts to validate findings from an earlier study of regional cerebral blood flow and to correlate any abnormalities in blood flow with eating disorder psychopathology.

Method: Fifteen newly referred children and adolescents with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN) underwent regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) examination using single-photon computerized tomography (SPECT) and the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) for children.

Results: Mean age was 14 years 11 months (SD = 1.