Treatment of anxiety in older adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study.

TitleTreatment of anxiety in older adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsEhrenreich-May J, Simpson G, Stewart LM, Kennedy SM, Rowley AN, Beaumont A, Alessandri M, Storch EA, Laugeson EA, Frankel FD, Wood JJ
JournalBull Menninger Clin
Volume84
Issue2
Pagination105-136
Date Published2020 Spring
ISSN1943-2828
KeywordsAdolescent, Adult, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Pilot Projects, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult
Abstract

Anxiety disorders are commonly comorbid in adolescents and young adults with high-functioning autism. Cognitive-behavioral treatments (CBT) for anxiety, when adapted and expanded to target autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics, may be beneficial, but there is minimal evidence to guide clinicians in their application. This multiple-baseline design study evaluated the initial efficacy of a CBT protocol adapted to address anxiety symptoms and adaptive functioning in this population. Anxiety and ASD symptoms were assessed for six participants at intake, after baseline, posttreatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Parent- and child-reported anxiety was also assessed during baseline and treatment. Visual inspection and reliable change index scores were used to evaluate change. All participants improved on clinician-rated measures of disorder severity, and gains were maintained at follow-up. Results were more equivocal for parent- and self-rated anxiety and parent-rated ASD, partly because of spontaneous changes during baseline.

DOI10.1521/bumc_2020_84_03
Alternate JournalBull Menninger Clin
PubMed ID31967511