Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment

Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment begins with a general overview of the history of research on anxiety in ASD and the path towards evidence-based assessment and treatment methods. Thereafter, chapters focus on the nature of ASD and anxiety comorbidity, the assessment of anxiety in ASD, and its treatment. Later chapters are devoted to future directions for research on this topic, including a discussion of anxiety assessment and treatment for adults and minimally verbal individuals.

Anxiety disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can cause substantial distress and impairment over and above that caused by ASD alone. Emerging research on genetic, psychological, psychophysiological, and psychometric aspects of ASD establish anxiety as a valid and necessary treatment target in this population.

This book is designed to help a broad array of providers who work with children with ASD understand cutting-edge, empirically supported treatments for anxiety, including specific treatment plans and strategies.

Presents a balanced discussion of the scientific literature on anxiety in ASDProvides a pragmatic, clinically applied focus that gives readers a ‘how-to’ guide for the treatment of anxiety in ASDConsiders the distinct ways in which anxiety presents in children and adolescents with ASD and the challenges this presents to assessment and treatmentExamines emerging areas of anxiety assessment and treatment research in ASD

1. Introduction 2. Prevalence of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorders 3. Phenomenology and Presentation of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder 4. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Anxiety in ASD 5. Assessment of Anxiety in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder 6. Cognitive-Behavioral Principles and Their Applications Within Autism Spectrum Disorder 7. Individual CBT for Anxiety and Related Symptoms in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders 8. Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders 9. Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder 10. Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety in Minimally Verbal Children With ASD 11. Anxiety and ASD in Schools: School-Related Issues and Individualized Education Programs 12. Dissemination and Implementation of Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety in ASD