Chapter 6 - Cognitive-Behavioral Principles and Their Applications Within Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can suffer from anxiety disorders such as Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Although the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for typically developing children, children with ASD and anxiety often require adaptations and modifications to these interventions. In addition, children with ASD usually receive various other treatments (e.g., pharmacological, psychosocial) which may need to be incorporated into anxiety treatment. We review the recent expansion of the use of various versions of CBT in youth with ASD and briefly examine the efficacy of these procedures. We also summarize the suggested modification strategies for CBT for children with comorbid ASD and anxiety. Future directions are considered and discussed.