Chapter 9 - Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is most often identified during early childhood, it is becoming increasingly apparent that recognition can be delayed and that initial diagnosis of ASD can occur during adulthood. As Lai and Baron-Cohen proposed, adult identification may be due to an increasing public awareness of ASD as well as a broadening of the diagnostic criteria to include higher functioning individuals who would likely not be seen as having sufficiently severe symptoms during childhood to warrant a diagnosis. Regardless of the underlying causes for the increased, and still increasing, number of adults with ASD and heightened recognition of the disorder in adulthood, it is abundantly clear that more research is needed to inform effective treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions in adults with ASD, including anxiety disorders. In this chapter, we describe the presentation and prevalence of anxiety disorders in adults with ASD and evidence-informed approaches to assess and treat anxiety in this population.