Adolescent Autism Traits at a DBT Partial Hospital: Treatment Outcomes, Suicidality, and Therapeutic Alliance

Purpose Rates of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and suicidality have increased. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) historically has been found to be effective in targeting suicide risk across the lifespan. Adolescents presenting with parent-reported autism traits were compared to those with low traits on DBT outcomes and suicidality in this study. Moreover, therapeutic alliance was also examined. Methods Eighty-seven adolescents attended a 4-week DBT partial hospital program (PHP); parent-report was administered to assess ASD traits. Adolescents completed self-report questionnaires at admission and discharge on four DBT outcomes. Suicidality characteristics were examined through a structured interview. Results We found that adolescents presenting with autism traits did not significantly differ from adolescents presenting with low or no autism traits on suicide ideation, suicide gestures, and self-harm. They did, however, significantly report fewer suicide plans and attempts. Across the sample, DBT was most effective in improving most of adolescents’ outcome skills, and this did not significantly differ based on autism traits. We also found that therapeutic alliance ratings were significantly and positively associated with the improvement outcomes observed across this sample. Conclusion Overall, this research supports DBT use for adolescents presenting with autism traits and emotion dysregulation.