ACT for autism and related disorders – useful links

This list of publications, books and videos explores the benefits of ACT as a therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum. ACT offers a pathway for developing vital life skills, such as fostering effective learning habits, enhancing social connections, and improving emotional self-regulation.

Publications about ACT and Autism

• Gilsenan, C. M., Yi, Z., Hinman, J. M., Barron, B. F., & Dixon, M. R. (2022). Using relational training to improve performance during Acceptance and Commitment Training sessions. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(1), 179-191.
• Pahnke, J., Jansson-Fröjmark, M., Andersson, G., Bjureberg, J., Jokinen, J., Bohman, B., & Lundgren, T. (2022 in press). Acceptance and commitment therapy for autistic adults: A randomized controlled pilot study in a psychiatric outpatient setting.
• Pahnke, J. (2022). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dissertation: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Melendez, J. L., Tan, I.M.C., Lau, J.C., & Leung, J. (2021). Practical resources for talking to children with autism about systemic racism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14, 451–461.
• Baires, N. (2020). The cultural adaptation of traditional behavior-analytic interventions for hispanic/latinx children with autism and the caregivers and siblings who care for them [Dissertation]. Southern Illinois University. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/1851/
• Chapman, R., & Evans, B. (2020). Using art-based acceptance and commitment therapy (act) for an adolescent with anxiety and autism. Clinical Case Studies, 19(6), 438–455.
• G. Szabo, P.B. Willis, C.J. Palinski (2019) Watch me try: ACT for improving athletic performance of young adults with ASD. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 3, 434-449.
• Hutchinson, V.D., Rehfeldt, R.A., Hertel, I. et al. (2019). Exploring the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy and behavioral skills training to teach interview skills to adults with autism spectrum disorders. Adv Neurodev Disord 3,450–456.
• Oliver, M.A., Selman, M., Brice, S. & Alegbo, R. (2019). Two cases of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy leading to rapid psychological improvement in people with intellectual disabilities. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 13(6), 257-267.
• Maisel, M.E., Stephenson, K.G., Cox, J.C. & South, M. (2019). Cognitive defusion for reducing distressing thoughts in adults with autism. Research in Auism Spectrum Disorders, 59,34-45.

Books

• Dixon, M. R. (2014). ACT for Children with Autism and Emotional Challenges.
• Rehfeldt, R. A., Barnes-Holmes, Y. (2009). Derived relational responding: Applications for learners with autism and other developmental disabilities. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Videos

• ACT and ABA: Four Studies and a Discussion of the Road We’re Traveling– Thomas Szabo, Jonathan Tarbox, Amanda Kelly, Giovambattista Presti – Presented at the ACBS World Conference Online 2020
• Implications of Relational Frame Theory for Early Childhood Language Development– Jonathan Tarbox – Presented at ACBS World Conference 16 (2018)
• Social Communication and RFT– workshop by Louise McHugh, Matthieu Villatte, Roger Vilardaga  – presented at ACBS World Conference VIII (2010)

This list of resources was produced by the ACBS ACT and Autism Special Interest Group