59.2 ANXIETY DISORDERS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often anxious related to their challenges with functioning in the world. Children with ASD are also at risk for the development of a comorbid anxiety disorder. A review of the literature will provide a historical review of anxiety in ASD. Medication and therapy for anxiety disorders in typically developing children and children with ASD will be reviewed. Strategies to differentiate appropriate, expectable anxiety related to the developmental challenges faced by children with ASD and the presentation of separation, social, and generalized anxiety disorders in children with ASD will be presented. Importantly, the phenotype of the pediatric anxiety disorders are distinct and discernable in typically developing children, but to date the field has not demonstrated strategies to readily identify the phenotypic features of anxiety disorders as they present in children with ASD. Anxiety disorders often respond well to therapy and medication. Children with ASD can develop anxiety disorders similar to typically developing children. Clinicians familiar with the phenotypic features of the anxiety disorders in typically developing children can bring the promise of successful treatment to the population of children with ASD and an anxiety disorder.