I Believe in Me, Not OCB!: A Workbook for Addressing Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior in Autism with Functional Behavior-based CBT

Believe in Me, Not OCB! A Workbook for Addressing Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior in Autism with Functional Behavior-based CBT is also referred to as the Children's Workbook. This workbook accompanies the Clinician's Manual, Addressing Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior in Autism with Functional Behavior-based CBT. These are the first known manuals to combine cognitive behavioral therapy and applied behavior analysis to treat obsessive compulsive behavior (OCB) in children and youth with autism.

The Children’s Workbook goes hand in hand with the nine structured sessions outlined in the Clinician’s Manual. Each session has a visual schedule that indicates the order of events, and children mark the completion of each activity. As sessions progress, flexibility is encouraged by introducing new OCBs with individualized adaptations (e.g., use of visuals and attempting different coping techniques). Importantly, children can also track their progress over time with a stimulus map. The workbook contains hands-on exercises and a vital worksheet entitled Stepping It Up: Completing My Exposures where children specify coping techniques, exposure steps, and reinforcers given at home.

When the nine sessions are complete, children are encouraged to refer to the Children’s Workbook as a review of FB-CBT strategies that were successful during treatment and what to do when new OCBs arise, or old OCBs re-emerge.

Tricia Vause is a professor at Brock University, and a registered clinical psychologist and behavior analyst. She is internationally recognized for her work in treating OCB in young people with autism.

Nicole Neil is an associate dean of research in the Faculty of Education at Western University. Her research and practice involves interdisciplinary approaches to applied behavior analysis.

Brianna M. Anderson is a PhD Candidate at Brock University’s Child and Youth Studies department and has teaching, research, and clinical experience in applied behaviour analysis and autism and developmental disabilities.

Maurice A. Feldman is a professor emeritus, Brock University, and a registered clinical psychologist and behavior analyst. He is internationally recognized for his research in parenting and developmental disabilities.