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
This paper presents the EMDR therapy treatment in a clinical case of a young autistic woman.
Article Abstract
“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.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Marino, M., Pezone, M., Riccio, M. P., Garotti, R., Scapicchio, A., Fernandez, I., & Bravaccio, C. (2026). 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. Frontiers in Psychology, 17:1812438. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1812438
Date
April 30, 2026
Creator(s)
Maria Marino, Mariangela Pezone, Maria Pia Riccio
Contributor(s)
Raffaele Garotti, Annamaria Scapicchio, Isabel Fernandez, Carmela Bravaccio
Topics
ADHD/Autism/Neurodiversity, PTSD
Extent
8 pages
Publisher
Frontiers
Rights
© 2026 Marino, Pezone, Riccio, Garotti, Scapicchio, Fernandez and Bravaccio. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
APA Citation
Marino, M., Pezone, M., Riccio, M. P., Garotti, R., Scapicchio, A., Fernandez, I., & Bravaccio, C. (2026). 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. Frontiers in Psychology, 17:1812438. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1812438
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access
