Case Report: Integration between eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive therapy for autism spectrum disorder. Novel intervention protocol based on case formulation and brief review of literature

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit increased psychopathological vulnerability, with a high incidence of comorbid conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma-related symptoms. Trauma-related symptoms appear to be highly prevalent in ASD, though they are frequently underestimated. Furthermore, autistic individuals face numerous risk factors that increase their exposure to traumatic experiences and relational trauma. It is also likely that there is an autism-specific vulnerability regarding the perceived traumatic impact of certain events. This paper presents the clinical case of a young autistic woman with no intellectual or language impairment, comorbid social-performance anxiety, and pathogenic schemas associated with relational trauma. The patient was treated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions, employing protocol modifications tailored to the ASD condition. Currently, studies on the use of EMDR in ASD are limited; the primary barrier to its application often stems from challenges in adapting the technique to the specific needs of autistic patients. Therefore, further research is essential—not only to evaluate the efficacy of EMDR in ASD but, crucially, to refine and adapt the standard protocol to address the specific requirements and challenges of this condition.