Where should we go from here? Identified gaps in the literature in psychosocial interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid anxiety

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with comorbid anxiety. Therefore, it is imperative that professionals working with youth with ASD and comorbid anxiety symptoms can access evidence-based intervention protocols. This review examined evidence-based guides and websites freely and publicly available to practitioners, with the goal of summarizing interventions for use with youth who have ASD and comorbid anxiety symptoms. Four intervention categories were identified, including cognitive-behavioral (CB), story-based, exposure, and sensory-integrative interventions. CB interventions (CBI) were the most widely researched and supported intervention for anxiety in this population. CBI studies also were more likely to incorporate rigorous methodological approaches (i.e., larger samples, randomized controlled trials). Conversely, research on exposure not in combination with CBI, story-based, and sensory-integrative interventions indicated weak support for decreasing anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD. Although the support for CBI continues to grow, limitations of the extant research suggest caution in interpreting results. In particular, though CBI are effective for youth with ASD who have cognitive ability in the average range or higher, research regarding treatment of anxiety symptoms among lower-functioning persons with ASD is needed.