Emotion regulation: A treatment target for autism spectrum disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience difficulties with emotion regulation (ER). Treatments designed to address ER difficulties in individuals with ASD are emerging. The authors review cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based treatments that have focused on ER difficulties in youth and young adults with ASD. In general, these treatments addressing ER skills have included awareness of emotions/psychoeducation about emotions, frustration tolerance, and ER skills, as well as practice and use of these skills during group therapy that sometimes includes caregivers. The results from these interventions are encouraging for individuals with high-functioning ASD because ER skills tend to improve following treatment. The inclusion of ER in other ASD treatments is discussed.