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Helen works with children with autism - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 12 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 12
Helen works with children with autism. This includes offering therapies that will help them. (a) Describe how one therapy could be used by Helen to help children wi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Helen works with children with autism - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 12 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe how one therapy could be used by Helen to help children with autism.
Answer
One effective therapy that Helen could use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach focuses on the child's thoughts and feelings, helping them to manage anxiety which is often experienced by children with autism.
Helen would begin by teaching the child to recognize their maladaptive thought processes that contribute to their anxiety, thereby enabling them to understand the link between their thoughts and emotional responses. Through the use of repetition and visual aids, she would help the child relate this concept to real-life situations, allowing for practical application.
As an example, Helen might use a 'thought thermometer' to help the child gauge their anxiety levels in different situations. This tool allows the child to identify and articulate their feelings at specific moments, making it easier for them to develop coping strategies.
Step 2
Explain one strength and one weakness of one therapy that is used to help children with autism.
Answer
One strength of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is its effectiveness in teaching children with autism to manage their anxiety symptoms. Research by Beck & Wood (2013) highlights that CBT can significantly reduce anxiety levels, which enhances overall functioning and well-being. Children participating in this therapy often find improved communication skills and better emotional regulation as they learn to express their feelings and thoughts more effectively.
Conversely, a weakness of CBT for children with autism may lie in the therapy's reliance on verbal communication and cognitive processes. Some children might struggle to engage with the therapy's concepts if they have significant language delays or cognitive impairments, limiting the therapy's effectiveness. In such cases, adaptation or alternative therapies might be necessary to better suit the child's individual needs.