Trichotillomania in an Autistic Spectum Disroder: Single Case Intervention

Abstract

The following work addresses trichotillomania and dermatillomania, both symptoms of the impulses control, in a 11 years old girl, who courses the sixth grade in a private elementary school and with a diagnose of first degree autism spectrum disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a comorbidity. The objective was to reduce the frequency of tearing her hair and the skin imperfections in the school context throughout an intervention based on cognitive behavioral techniques. Within the used methodology to analyze the case an exhaustive evaluation of the patient has been performed using grade observation records, before and during the intervention period in order to systematize the whole process. The intervention techniques used where Token Economy and self-instruction. The results show a progressive improvement of the symptoms, reflected in the diminish of frequency of the behaviors registered that were conducted. In spite of the limited time for the intervention for these kinds of behaviors and the base line phase, it was possible to get to know the girl well and establish bonds with her, in spite of her condition, which can be noted in a better adaptation on her school context. This work seeks to favor the increase of research on this disorder since there is information related on the etiological factors, but it still is not enough, likewise, the related information on these disorders and its possible comorbidities is useful to continue with the advance on the treatments in this area.