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Habit Reversal Therapy for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Williams Syndrome: A Case Study

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Abstract

Williams syndrome (WS) is genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with a well-characterized cognitive and behavioral phenotype. Research has consistently demonstrated high rates of psychopathology in this population; however, little research has examined the use of empirically-supported psychosocial interventions in those with WS. The current case study reports on the use of Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) to treat multiple body-focused repetitive behaviors in a child with WS. Although HRT is a well-established cognitive-behavioral intervention for body-focused repetitive behaviors, it has been infrequently used in populations with developmental disabilities. An etiologically-informed approach was used to adapt HRT to fit the known behavioral and cognitive phenotype of WS. Results suggest that HRT may be beneficial for this population. Modified treatment elements are described and future research areas highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rhode Island Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Christine A. Conelea

  2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Bonita P. Klein-Tasman

  3. Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, Coro West Suite 204, 1 Hoppin St., Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    Christine A. Conelea

Authors
  1. Christine A. Conelea
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  2. Bonita P. Klein-Tasman
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Correspondence to Christine A. Conelea.

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Conelea, C.A., Klein-Tasman, B.P. Habit Reversal Therapy for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Williams Syndrome: A Case Study. J Dev Phys Disabil 25, 597–611 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-013-9335-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-013-9335-3

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