Third generation behavioural therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders: review and trajectories
| Published date | 07 September 2015 |
| Date | 07 September 2015 |
| Pages | 265-274 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-06-2015-0031 |
| Author | Mauro Leoni,Serafino Corti,Roberto Cavagnola |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities |
Third generation behavioural therapy
for neurodevelopmental disorders:
review and trajectories
Mauro Leoni, Serafino Corti and Roberto Cavagnola
Dr Mauro Leoni is based at the
Disability Department,
Fondazione Sospiro Onlus,
Cremona, Italy.
Dr Serafino Corti is based at the
Catholic University of Brescia,
Brescia, Italy; Disability
Department, Fondazione
Sospiro Onlus, Cremona, Italy
and Fondazione Italiana per
l’Autismo Onlus, Rome, Italy.
Dr Roberto Cavagnola is based
at the Disability Department,
Fondazione Sospiro Onlus,
Cremona, Italy.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is mainly to present a general review of third generation cognitive-
behavioural therapies (CBTs), and to debate whether these approaches are applicable to persons with
neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).
Design/methodology/approach –Despite the lack of consistent literature focused on this population, the
authors have considered the available general literature on the third generation of CBTs and analysed core
issues of the processes within the context of intellectual disabilities and Autism spectrum disorder.
Findings –The evidence from typical developing population studies and the emerging literature specific to
people with NDD is convincing, but there is a need for studies exploring how and when these therapeutic
approaches can be applicable. Two behavioural approaches of third generation therapies –acceptance and
commitment therapy and mindfulness-based CBT –appear to have the most potential to be adapted for
robust intervention for the broad spectrum of persons with NDD.
Research limitations/implications –The number of studies and methodologies applied are a clear
limitation and the present paper is only exploratory.
Originality/value –The paper supports clinicians to use the emerging protocols, and to replicate and
implement procedures and techniques.
Keywords Intellectual disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, Cognitive-behavioural therapy,
Acceptance and commitment treatment, Mindfulness-based therapy, Third wave psychotherapies
Paper type General review
Introduction
The main feature of the first wave of traditional behavioural therapy was to focus on observable
behaviour and directinteraction of the human being with theenvironment. Among the well-known
figures of this wave were Ivan P. Pavlov, John B. Watson, Edward L. Thorndike and Burrhus F.
Skinner. The main treatment techniques included exposure, skills training, behavioural activation
(BA), token economy, among others. The major limitation of these approaches was that they did
not account forthe problems of thinking and the influenceof private events on behaviour. Thisgap
was addressed by cognitive theories, which havebeen promoted over the past 30 years through
the work of key figuressuch as Aaron T. Beck and Albert Ellis. A simple exampleof the therapeutic
process typical of this “second wave”(or simply cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT)) is the aim to
change illogicalor irrational thinking, seen as the primary causeof any problem. CBT represents a
significant advance: its base of evidence is wide, including outcome research with randomized
control trials across a varied range of disorders. However, todate no clear scientific link has been
established between the processes of cognitive change and the outcomes.
Received 9 June 2015
Revised 9 June 2015
Accepted 2 July 2015
DOI 10.1108/AMHID-06-2015-0031 VOL. 9 NO. 5 2015, pp. 265-274, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282
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