Purpose of review: This review aims to give an update on research in the past 5 years regarding the co-occurrence, assessment and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Recent findings: Recent findings affirm not only a high prevalence of OCD amongst individuals with ASD (and vice versa) but also notable variability in assessment methods and results. There remain limited validated measures with which to assess OCD in those with ASD, which are often difficult to differentiate. Adapted and function-based CBT programs specifically designed for ASD demonstrate promising results, but additional randomised controlled trials are needed. Though some exciting progress has been made in the area of treatment of OCD in ASD, progress remains hampered by inconsistent measurement of OCD in ASD. Future priorities include development of brief, valid assessment tools and determining the efficacy and effectiveness of newly developed and adapted treatment programs.
Keywords: Assessment; Autism spectrum disorder; Comorbidity; Differentiation; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Treatment.