Group Therapy for Japanese University Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social impairment and circumscribed and repetitive behavior and interests. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group therapy, which was designed to enhance university-related behavior, in Japanese university students with high-functioning ASD, based on their specific social, communication and emotional needs. The participants included 11 students with ASD aged between 19 and 24 (mean 21.0) years. A single-group, pre-post-intervention design was implemented in the study. The Clinical global Impressions-Severity scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory Scale were completed before and after group therapy. The results showed significant post intervention improvements in depressive symptom, anxiety, and self-esteem, indicating that the group therapy was effective for students with ASD.