Third generation behavioural therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders: review and trajectories

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is mainly to present a general review of third generation cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBTs), and to debate whether these approaches are applicable to persons with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Design/methodology/approach – Despite the lack of consistent literature focused on this population, the authors have considered the available general literature on the third generation of CBTs and analysed core issues of the processes within the context of intellectual disabilities and Autism spectrum disorder. Findings – The evidence from typical developing population studies and the emerging literature specific to people with NDD is convincing, but there is a need for studies exploring how and when these therapeutic approaches can be applicable. Two behavioural approaches of third generation therapies – acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based CBT – appear to have the most potential to be adapted for robust intervention for the broad spectrum of persons with NDD. Research limitations/implications – The number of studies and methodologies applied are a clear limitation and the present paper is only exploratory. Originality/value – The paper supports clinicians to use the emerging protocols, and to replicate and implement procedures and techniques.

Third‐wave therapies and adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

“…Eleven additional papers were identified through: searching the reference lists of unsystematic reviews of psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities (Leoni, Corti, & Cavagnola, ) or systematic reviews of particular third‐wave therapies for people with intellectual disabilities, such as mindfulness‐based approaches (Chapman et al, ; Hwang & Kearney, ) and DBT (McNair et al, ); hand searching journals of interest; and contacting key authors in the field.…”

Two cases of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy leading to rapid psychological improvement in people with intellectual disabilities

“…Despite the potential utility of this therapeutic approach, the published evidence base for using ACT with people with intellectual disability is small.Indeed as far as can be Two ACT for ID Case Studies 7 ascertained, there are only three published papers (see reviews by Robertson, 2011, Harper et al, 2013Hwang and Kearney, 2013;Leoni et al, 2015;Gore and Hastings, 2016;Singh et al, 2017). Pankey and Hayes (2003) presented a case study of a young woman with intellectual disability and psychosis.…”