Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting approximately 50% of children and adolescents. As a result of the high prevalence of anxiety symptoms in children with ASD, modifications to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols have been recommended to better accommodate features of ASD that may interfere with treatment. Multiple CBT protocols have been successfully modified, demonstrating that CBT is an efficacious treatment for anxiety in pediatric populations with ASD. This chapter will provide an overview of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with ASD, CBT and ASD adaptations, treatment delivery formats, as well as possible mediating factors such as family involvement, treatment dose, and comorbid disorders. Future research should focus on the heterogeneity of anxiety symptoms exhibited in children and adolescents with ASD, how to better tailor and adapt interventions for ASD individuals, and assessment and treatment options for minimally verbal autistic children.