Arab Educational Information Network

The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing aggressive and violent behaviors among a sample of children with autism. The sample of the study included (5) children with autism disorders selected from one care center for children with autism at Al-Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The age group of the sample of the study was (10-12). To achieve the aim of the study, a semi one experimental group was employed. The aggression and violence scales were administrated before the use of the cognitive behavior therapy and at follow up in addition to using the therapy program based on cognitive-behavioral practices. The study found statistically significant differences between the two administrations of aggression scale, in favor of the posttest, while no statistically significant differences between the two administrations of violence scale and at follow up. The aggression and violence scales were administrated before the use of the cognitive behavior therapy and at follow up in addition to using the therapy program based on cognitive-behavioral practices. There were no statistically significant differences between the two administrations of the total aggression posttest scale and its individual domains (physical, symbolic, verbal), and at follow up. The study recommended the need for the Saudi Ministry of Education to employ cognitive behavior therapy and monitor its use and promote its effectiveness in media tools as it has an effective role in reducing aggressive and violent behavior among children with autism. (Published abstract)