Combined ACT-Based Contingency Contracting Intervention for Aggressive Behavior and Psychologically Flexibility in an Adolescent With Comorbid Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia

Abstract

Comorbid diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability can present a variety of personal barriers and challenges to interventions that promote safety and autonomy. The current case study provides an overview of a 10-week intervention that included elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and contingency contracting to target psychological flexibility and aggressive behavior in a 17-year-old presenting with these comorbid diagnoses. The treatment was fully individualized to include the client’s interests in Star Wars and focused on supporting the client’s self-identified valued outcomes associated with independent living. Prior to intervention, baseline data showed high levels of aggressive behavior in both frequency and duration, and low levels of psychological flexibility and adaptive behaviors were reported. Following implementation of the combined intervention, aggressive behavior reduced significantly below baseline levels, psychological flexibility improved, and the client engaged in a greater frequency of adaptive behaviors relative to baseline. Positive outcomes were also maintained 1-month and 1-year following the intervention. Implications of this case for clinicians and staff are discussed.