Supporting Young People on the Autism Spectrum: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Components of Habit Reversal Treatment

Abstract

Habit Reversal Treatment (HRT) has been used successfully to reduce nervous habits and tics in neuro-typical children and adults. It has not been researched extensively with regards to the restricted and repetitive behaviors that are part of a diagnosis of autism. This paper reports on the effectiveness of each of the three main components of HRT for young people on the autism spectrum. The awareness training procedure was effectively used in the treatment of encopresis; the competing response procedure effectively used in addressing vocal tics; and the social support procedure was effectively used for caregiver training to enhance overall treatment outcomes. Results are discussed in the context of evidence-based practice. International Journal of Autism and Related Disabilities Majchrzak JD and Dillenburger K. Int J Autism & Relat Disabil 5: 150 www.doi.org/10.29011/2642-3227.000050 www.gavinpublishers.com