Authors (including presenting author) :
Ho KH, Sze YMA, Tang HY, Wong TS
Affiliation :
Integrated Model of SOP Service through Psychiatric Nurse Clinic (Child & Adolescent), KCH
Keyword 1: :
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Introduction :
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD frequently face emotional difficulties, such as anxiety and frustration, which can adversely affect their quality of life and family dynamics. As psychiatric nurses, it is crucial to address these emotional challenges through accessible, evidence-based interventions. A low-intensity psychosocial intervention, particularly one that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), presents an effective approach to enhance emotional well-being in children with ASD. This model aims to provide immediate support, bridging the gap created by long waiting times for specialized psychiatric services, and offers a practical solution for families navigating time constraints.
Objectives :
•To improve emotional recognition and regulation among children with ASD. •To equip children with coping strategies for managing emotional dysregulation. •To enhance peer interaction and social skills through structured group activities. •To actively involve parents in reinforcing learned skills at home, fostering a collaborative environment that supports emotional growth
Methodology :
This low-intensity psychosocial intervention is designed for children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with ASD, who possess normal cognitive abilities. It comprises four weekly one-hour group sessions led by Child and Adolescent psychiatric nurses. The intervention employs structured formats, including psychoeducation and behavioral activation elements of CBT, tailored to the developmental needs of participants. Each session focuses on core themes—emotion recognition, experience, acceptance, and response—using engaging activities and materials such as visual aids and role-playing. Parents participate in parallel sessions to reinforce the skills learned in the group, promoting a holistic approach to emotional well-being.
Result & Outcome :
Studies indicate promising results, with children showing significant improvements in their ability to label emotions, increasing accuracy from 40% to 75%. Participants also reported enhanced confidence in utilizing coping strategies. Parent feedback highlighted better emotional vocabulary and improved peer interactions among their children, suggesting an increase in emotional resilience. Research supports the efficacy of group-based CBT in reducing anxiety and irritability in children with ASD. However, limitations exist, such as the need for modifications for children with severe communication challenges and the potential inadequacy of low-intensity interventions for those with complex emotional needs.
