How the ASCENT model can help optimize exposure therapies for Autistic clients

TL;DR

This paper explains how the ASCENT model can improve exposure therapies for Autistic individuals by tailoring them to their unique needs and traits.

Contribution

The paper introduces the ASCENT model as a novel framework for adapting exposure therapies to better serve Autistic clients.

Findings

The ASCENT model emphasizes traits like sensory processing and communication to guide therapy adaptation.

Examples show how the model can be applied to various exposure therapies for Autistic clients.

The model also identifies when accommodations are more appropriate than exposure.

Abstract

Exposure therapies are very effective for alleviating anxiety, yet limited research has focused on optimizing their effectiveness for Autistic clients. This “Perspective” article describes how the ASCENT model can guide tailoring exposure therapies to be more effective and affirming for Autistic clients. This model proposes supporting clients in Autonomous and Affirming goal setting (A), adapting for differences in Sensory processing, Stimming, Structure, Special interests (S), Communication (C), and Executive functioning (E), practicing with Neurohumility (N), and being Trauma informed (T). Because the ASCENT model is based on traits of Autistic clients and effective ways of working with them, it can help guide tailoring a wide variety of anxiety treatments. This article provides examples of how the ASCENT model can be applied to increase the effectiveness of several different types of exposure therapies, as well as articulating when exposure is not appropriate and accommodation is necessary instead.