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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions (ASC): A systematic review (Pages 247-255)

Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)

Volume 18, October 2020, Pages 247-255

Authors

Gary Byrne, Teresa O'Mahony

Abstract

Background

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown to be an effective intervention in promoting psychological health. This systematic review aimed to establish the effectiveness of ACT for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities.

Method

Three databases were systematically reviewed (PsycInfo, PubMed, and MEDLINE) using PRISMA guidelines.

Results

After initial screening and removal of duplicates, 216 potential papers were identified of which eight papers were identified and included in the systematic review.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ACT may be a useful intervention in reducing psychological difficulties and improving adaptive functioning skills. However the small number of individuals included in the review, as well as the poor methodological rigour of the studies included limits conclusive findings at present.

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