Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interventions for Specific Phobia in Special Populations

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Intensive One-Session Treatment of Specific Phobias

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

Although implementation of standard evidence-based protocols for the treatment of specific phobias in typical populations is vital, such protocols may not work in the same way with atypical populations. It is often the case that modifications need to be made to adapt these evidence-based treatment protocols to address differences in individuals with special needs. For example, symptoms of anxiety have been associated with deficits in intellectual functioning in both typically- and atypically-developing children (Davis et al., Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment 33:171–177, 2011; Davis et al., Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment 30:43–51, 2008). This chapter is devoted to the assessment and treatment of specific phobias in a particularly neglected group—those having co-occurring intellectual disability (ID) and/or developmental disabilities (DD) such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Altabet, S.C. (2002). Decreasing dental resistance among individuals with severe and profound mental retardation. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 14, 297–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aman, M.G., Singh, N.N., Stewart, A.W., Field, C.J. (1985). The aberrant behavior checklist: A behavior rating scale for the assessment of treatment effects. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 89, 485–491.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baghdadli, A., Pascal, C., Grisi, S., Aussilloux, C. (2003). Risk factors for self-injurious behaviours among 222 young children with autistic disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47, 622–627.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Begeer, S., Koot, H.M., Rieffe, C., Terwogt, M.M., Stegge, H. (2008). Emotional competence in children with autism: Diagnostic criteria and empirical evidence. Developmental Review, 28, 342–369.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bouton, M. (2004). Context and behavioral processes in extinction. Learning and Memory, 11, 485–494.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, T.A., DiNardo, P.A., Barlow, D.H. (1994). Anxiety disorders interview schedule for DSM-IV (ADIS-IV). Albany: Graywind.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgio, L.D., Willis, K., Burgio, K.L. (1986). Operantly based treatment procedure for stair avoidance by a severely mentally retarded adult. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 91, 308–311.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chalfant, A.M., Rapee, R., Carroll, L. (2007). Treating anxiety disorders in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1842–1857.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chok, J.T., Demanche, J., Kennedy, A., Studer, L. (2010). Utilizing physiological measures to facilitate phobia treatment with individuals with autism and intellectual disability: A case study. Behavioral Interventions, 25, 325–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E. (2009). PTSD, anxiety, and phobias. In J. Matson, F. Andrasik, & M. Matson (Eds.), Treating childhood psychopathology and developmental disorders (pp. 183–220). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., & Ollendick, T.H. (2005). A critical review of empirically supported treatments for specific phobia in children: Do efficacious treatments address the components of a phobic response? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 12, 144–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Kurtz, P., Gardner, A., Carman, N. (2007). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for specific phobias with a child demonstrating severe problem behavior and developmental delays. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28, 546–558.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Ollendick, T.H., Nebel-Schwalm, M. (2008). Intellectual ability and achievement in anxiety-disordered children: A clarification and extension of the literature. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 30, 43–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Ollendick, T.H., Öst, L.G. (2009). Intensive treatment of specific phobias in children and adolescents. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 16, 294–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Fodstad, J.C., Jenkins, W., Hess, J.A., Moree, B.N., Dempsey, T., et al. (2010). Anxiety and avoidance in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: Evidence for differing symptom severity and presentation. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 305–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Hess, J.A., Matthews, R., Fodstad, J.C., Dempsey, T., Jenkins, W., et al. (2011a). The moderating effect of anxiety on development in atypically developing toddlers. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 33, 171–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Hess, J.A., Moree, B.N., Fodstad, J.C., Dempsey, T., Jenkins, W., et al. (2011b). Anxiety symptoms across the lifespan in people with autistic disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 112–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., May, A.C., Whiting, S.E. (2011c). Evidence-based treatment of anxiety and phobia in children and adolescents: Current status and effects on the emotional response. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 592–602.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Moree, B.N., Dempsey, T., Reuther, E.T., Fodstad, J.C., Hess, J.A., et al. (2011d). The relationship between autism spectrum disorders and anxiety: The moderating effect of communication. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 324–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis III, T.E., Moree, B.N., Dempsey, T., Hess, J.A., Jenkins, W.S., Fodstad, J.C., et al. (2012). The effects of communication deficits on anxiety symptoms in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Behavior Therapy, 43(1), 142–152.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Bruin, E.L., Ferdinand, R.F., Meester, S., de Nijs, F.A., Verheij, F. (2007). High rates of psychiatric co-morbidity in PDD-NOS. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 877–886.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dekker, M.C., & Koot, H.M. (2003). DSM-IV disorders in children with borderline to moderate intellectual disability: Prevalence and impact. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42, 915–922.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esbensen, A.J., Rojahn, J., Aman, M.G., Ruedrich, S. (2003). Reliability and validity of an assessment instrument for anxiety, depression, and mood among individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33, 617–629.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Erfanian, N., & Miltenberger, R.G. (1990). Contact desensitization in the treatment of dog phobias in persons who have mental retardation. Behavioral Residential Treatment, 5, 55–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feinstein, C., Kaminer, Y., Barrett, R.P., Tylenda, B. (1988). The assessment of mood and affect in developmentally disabled children and adolescents: The emotional disorders rating scale. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 9, 109–121.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fombonne, E. (1999). The epidemiology of autism: A review. Psychological Medicine, 29, 769–786.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hagopian, L.P., & Jennett, H.K. (2008). Behavior assessment and treatment of anxiety in individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 20, 467–483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hagopian, L.P., Crockett, J.L., Keeney, K.M. (2001). Multicomponent treatment for blood-injury-injection phobia in a young man with mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 21, 141–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hurley, A.D. (2004). Treatment of multiple phobias and agoraphobia in a man with Down syndrome. Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities, 7, 142–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R.C., Chiu, W.T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K., Walters, E.E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 617–627.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koegel, R.L., Koegel, L.K., Vernon, T.W., Brookman-Frazee, L.I. (2010). Empirically supported pivotal response treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders. In J.R. Weisz & A.E. Kazdin (Eds.), Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents—2nd edn. (pp. 327–344). New York: Guildford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leyfer, O.T., Folstein, S.E., Bacalman, S., Davis, N.O., Dinh, E., Morgan, J., Tager-Flusberg, H., Lainhart, J.E. (2006). Comorbid psychiatric disorders in children with autism: Interview development and rates of disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36, 849–861.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmkuhl, H.D., Storch, E.A., Bodfish, J.W., Geffkin G.R. (2008). Brief report: Exposure and response prevention for obsessive compulsive disorder in a 12-year-old with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 977–981.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay, W.R., Michie, A.M., Baty, F.J., McKenzie, K. (1988). Dog phobia in people with mental handicaps: Anxiety management training and exposure treatments. Mental Handicap Research, 1, 39–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Love, S.R., Matson, J.L., West, D. (1990). Mothers as effective therapists for autistic children’s phobias. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23, 379–385.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luiselli, J.K. (1977). Case report: An attendant-administered contingency management program for the treatment of a toileting phobia. Journal of Mental Deficiency Research, 21, 283–288.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luscre, D.M., & Center, D.B. (1996). Procedures for reducing dental fear in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26, 547–556.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. (1981). A controlled outcome study of phobias in mentally retarded adults. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 19, 101–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J., & Bamburg, J.W. (1998). Reliability of the assessment of dual diagnosis (ADD). Research in Developmental Disabilities, 19, 89–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. & Wilkins, J. (2008). Reliability of the autism spectrum disorders-comorbidity for children (ASD-CC). Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 20, 327–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J., Bamburg, J., Cherry, K., Paclawskyj, T. (1999). A validity study on the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale: Predicting treatment success for self-injury, aggression, and stereotypes. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 20, 163–176.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J., Smiroldo, B., Hamilton, M., Baglio, C. (1997). Do anxiety disorders exist in persons with severe and profound mental retardation? Research in Developmental Disabilities, 18, 39–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J., Wilkins, J., Macken, J. (2009). The relationship of challenging behaviors to severity and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2, 29–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mindham, J., & Espie, C.A. (2003). Glasgow anxiety scale for people with an intellectual disability (GAS-ID): Development and psychometric properties of a new measure for use with people with mild intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47, 22–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moree, B. & Davis III, T.E. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: Modification trends. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 346–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moss, S., Prosser, H., Costello, H., Simpson, N., Patel, P., Rowe, S., et al. (1998). Reliability and validity of the PAS-ADD checklist for detecting psychiatric disorders in adults with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 42, 173–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nebel-Schwalm, M., & Davis III, T.E. (2011). Preliminary factor and psychometric analysis of the motivation for fear (MOTIF) survey. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25, 731–740.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Obler, M., & Terwilliger, R.F. (1970). Pilot study on the effectiveness of systematic desensitization with neurologically impaired children with phobic disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 34, 314–318.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ollendick, T.H. (1983). Reliability and validity of the revised fear survey schedule for children (FSSC-R). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 21, 685–692.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ollendick, T.H., Davis III, T.E., Muris, P. (2004). Treatment of specific phobia in children and adolescents. In P.M. Barrett & T.H. Ollendick (Eds.), Handbook of interventions that work with children and adolescents: Prevention and treatment (pp. 273–299). West Sussex: Wiley.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ollendick, T.H., Davis III, T.E., Sirbu, C. (2009) Specific phobias. In D. McKay & E. Storch (Eds.), Cognitive behavior therapy for refractory cases in children and adolescents (pp. 133–141). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ornitz, E.M. (1989). Autism at the interface between sensory information and information processing. In G. Dawson (Ed.), Autism: Nature, diagnosis, and treatment (pp. 174–207). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Öst, L.-G. (1987). One-session treatments for a case of multiple simple phobias. Scandinavian Journal of Behavior Therapy, 16, 175–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Öst, L.G. (1997). Rapid treatment of specific phobias. In G.C.L. Davey (Ed.), Phobias: A handbook of theory, research, and treatment (pp. 227–247). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Öst, L.G., Svensson, L., Hellström, K., Lindwall, R. (2001). One-session treatment of specific phobias in youths: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69, 814–824.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, C.L. (1977). Desensitization for the treatment of fear in the high level adult retardate. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 15, 137–148.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puig-Antich J., & Chambers, W. (1978). The schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children (Kiddie-SADS). New York: New York State Psychiatric Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramirez, S.Z., & Luckenbill, J.F. (2007). Development of the fear survey for adults with mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28, 225–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rapp, J.T., Vollmer, T.R., Hovanetz, A.N. (2005). Evaluation and treatment of swimming pool avoidance exhibited by an adolescent girl with autism. Behavior Therapy, 36, 101–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reaven, J., & Hepburn, S. (2003). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a child with Asperger syndrome: A case report. Autism, 7, 145–164.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reaven, J., Blakeley-Smith, A., Nichols, S., Dasari, M., Flanigan, E., Hepburn, S. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral group treatment for anxiety symptoms in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 24, 27–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C.R., & Kamphaus, R.W. (2004). BASC-2 behavioral assessment system for children manual (2nd edn.). Circle Pines: AGS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riccardi, J.N., Luiselli, J.K., Camare, M. (2006). Shaping approach responses as intervention for specific phobia in a child with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 445–448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Runyan, M.C., Stevens, D.H., Reeves, R. (1985). Reduction of avoidance behavior of institutionalized mentally retarded adults through contact desensitization. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 90, 222–225.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shabani, D.B. & Fisher, W.W. (2006). Stimulus fading and differential reinforcement for the treatment of needle phobia in a youth with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 449–452.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, W.K., & Albano, A.M. (1996). Anxiety disorders interview schedule for DSM-IV, child and parent versions. San Antonio: Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, W.K., & Ollendick, T.H. (2005). Evidence-based assessment of anxiety and its disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 34, 380–411.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sofronoff, K., Attwood, T., Hinton, S. (2005). A randomized controlled trial of CBT intervention for anxiety in children with Asperger syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46, 1152–1160.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sze, K.M., & Wood, J.J. (2007). Cognitive behavioral treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders and social difficulties in children with high-functioning autism: A case report. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 37, 133–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sze, K.M., & Wood, J.J. (2008). Enhancing CBT for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and concurrent anxiety. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36, 403–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, S.W., Oswald, D., Ollendick, T.H., Scahill, L. (2009). Anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 29, 216–229.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, J.J., Drahota, A., Sze, K., Har, K., Chiu, A., Langer, D.A. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50, 224–234.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zlomke, K., & Davis III, T.E. (2008). One-session treatment of specific phobias: A detailed description and review of treatment efficacy. Behavior Therapy, 39, 207–223.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Thompson E. Davis III Ph.D.

  2. Laboratory for Anxiety, Phobia, & Internalizing Disorder Studies (LAPIS), Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Brittany M. Rudy

Authors
  1. Brittany M. Rudy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Thompson E. Davis III Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thompson E. Davis III Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Psychology, Louisiana State University, Audubon Hall 236, Baton Rouge, 70803, Louisiana, USA

    Thompson E. Davis III

  2. Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, 24060, Virginia, USA

    Thomas H. Ollendick

  3. Dept. Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 8, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden

    Lars-Göran Öst

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rudy, B.M., Davis III, T.E. (2012). Interventions for Specific Phobia in Special Populations. In: Davis III, T., Ollendick, T., Öst, LG. (eds) Intensive One-Session Treatment of Specific Phobias. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3253-1_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation