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Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 3/2018

01-09-2018 | Original Paper

Multi-family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP) for Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: Sarah Connolly, Kathleen Cruse Grasser, Winnie Chung, Karen Tabern, Tracy Guiou, Jacqueline Wynn, Mary Fristad

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

This article describes the development and methodology of a novel psychosocial intervention for children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Originally developed as an adjunctive treatment for children with mood disorders, Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP) has been adapted for children with ASD (MF-PEP-ASD). Consisting of eight sessions, children with ASD and their parents receive psychoeducation and social support, and learn coping, problem-solving, communication, and symptom-management skills in separate and joint sessions. Core treatment components of MF-PEP-ASD include psychoeducation, social skills treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and parent training and involvement. Preliminary qualitative data from parent and child participants have indicated positive and promising findings. Continued evaluation of this treatment using comprehensive outcome and treatment fidelity measures is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Multi-family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP) for Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors
Sarah Connolly
Kathleen Cruse Grasser
Winnie Chung
Karen Tabern
Tracy Guiou
Jacqueline Wynn
Mary Fristad
Publication date
01-09-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9386-y

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