Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment begins with a general overview of the history of research on anxiety in ASD and the path towards evidence-based assessment and treatment methods. Thereafter, chapters focus on the nature of ASD and anxiety comorbidity, the assessment of anxiety in ASD, and its treatment. Later chapters are devoted to future directions for research on this topic, including a discussion of anxiety assessment and treatment for adults and minimally verbal individuals. Anxiety disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can cause substantial distress and impairment over and above that caused by ASD alone. Emerging research on genetic, psychological, psychophysiological, and psychometric aspects of ASD establish anxiety as a valid and necessary treatment target in this population. This book is designed to help a broad array of providers who work with children with ASD understand cutting-edge, empirically supported treatments for anxiety, including specific treatment plans and strategies. Presents a balanced discussion of the scientific literature on anxiety in ASD Provides a pragmatic, clinically applied focus that gives readers a ‘how-to’ guide for the treatment of anxiety in ASD Considers the distinct ways in which anxiety presents in children and adolescents with ASD and the challenges this presents to assessment and treatment Examines emerging areas of anxiety assessment and treatment research in ASD

This book helps clinicians harness the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Leading treatment developers describe promising approaches for treating common challenges faced by young people with ASD--anxiety and behavior problems, social competence issues, and adolescent concerns around sexuality and intimacy. Chapters present session-by-session overviews of each intervention program, review its evidence base, and address practical considerations in treatment. The book also discusses general issues in adapting CBT for this population and provides a helpful framework for assessment and case conceptualization informed by DSM-5.

Is it school refusal or separation anxiety disorder? Can preschoolers have panic attacks? Does food neophobia really exist? For readers seeking ways to improve assessment, case conceptualization, or treatment plans as well as a more general understanding of anxiety disorders among children, the Handbook of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders addresses these and many other complex issues. A straightforward companion to the diagnostic manuals, this volume crosses theoretical boundaries to describe in depth the wide range of children’s anxiety disorders and to explain the developmental nuances that separate them from their adult analogues. Coverage includes: Diagnostic and etiological models of children’s anxiety disorders (i.e., genetic, cognitive-behavioral, taxonomic, neuropsychological, dimensional). Differential diagnosis guidelines for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobic conditions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth. Ancillary factors in child and adolescent anxiety (e.g., personality, temperament, parenting issues, and comorbid conditions). Psychological, pharmacological, and combined treatments for childhood anxiety disorders. Special populations and emerging areas of interest, including anxiety disorders in the contexts of chronic health problems and developmental disabilities. The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders is a must-have reference for researchers, clinicians, and graduate students in psychology, psychiatry, social work and counseling as well as allied professionals in hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and private practice.

This clinically wise and pragmatic book presents a systematic approach for treating any form of childhood anxiety using proven exposure-based techniques. What makes this rigorously tested modular treatment unique is that it is explicitly designed with flexibility and individualization in mind. Developed in a real-world, highly diverse community mental health context, the treatment can be continually adjusted to target motivational problems, disruptive behavior, family issues, and other frequently encountered clinical roadblocks. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book includes a detailed case formulation framework, a flexible treatment planning algorithm, and over 90 pages of user-friendly reproducibles.

This book examines the implications of anxiety for children who have different types of comorbid mental health problems or chronic physical illnesses. It describes the differences between anxiety and fear in children and addresses how anxiety presents in children. The book presents ideas for treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents using examples and case studies. Chapters review evidence-based practices and explore common challenges in managing anxiety in school and community settings. In addition, chapters offer recommendations for improving social and emotional functioning and reducing anxiety symptoms, along with practical guidelines for working with children in therapy settings. Topics featured in this book include: The co-occurrence of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. The appearance of anxiety before or after substance abuse. Typical and atypical presentations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder. Chronic illness and anxiety in young children. Family-oriented cognitive behavior therapy and its use in children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. The potential relationship between conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety. Anxiety Management in Children with Mental and Physical Health Problems is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians and other practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, social work, public health, family studies, educational psychology and counseling, health education, and allied disciplines.

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved greatly since Asperger's day. And as our clinical understanding of this spectrum of disorders has grown, so has recognition of the connections between anxiety disorders and ASD—a welcome development, but also a source of confusion for many in the field. The Handbook of Autism and Anxiety brings together leading experts to explain this comorbidity, the diagnostic similarities and differences between the two disorders and the extent to which treatment for each can be coordinated for optimum results. Focusing on repetitive behaviors, social difficulties and fears as core components of anxiety disorders as well as ASD, contributors discuss specific symptoms in depth to aid in diagnosis. Assessment and treatment issues relevant to the autism-anxiety connection are considered in clinical and school contexts. And an especially timely conclusion details how key changes in the DSM-5 affect the diagnosis and conceptualization of each disorder. Key topics addressed in the Handbook include: Phenotypic variability in ASD: clinical considerations. Etiologic factors and transdiagnostic processes. Social worries and difficulties: autism and/or social anxiety disorder? Implementing group CBT interventions for youth with ASD and anxiety in clinical practice. Autism and anxiety in school settings. DSM-5 and autism spectrum disorder. The Handbook of Autism and Anxiety is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians/professionals and graduate students in child and school psychology, psychiatry, social work, education, clinical counseling and behavioral therapy.

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