If your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they are far more likely to have one or more additional disorders—such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or a mood disorder. Current estimates tell us more than 50 percent of children with ASD have significant anxiety.
But what is the best autism and anxiety treatment? Finding evidence-based mental health treatment designed specifically for children with ASD can be difficult. Let’s explore some options.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching kids how to recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety. By learning to challenge these thoughts, children can develop healthier coping mechanisms and feel more in control of their emotions.
Specifically, tailored versions of this therapy, designed with the unique needs of autistic children in mind, have shown promising results. These adaptations often involve visual aids, structured activities, and a focus on social skills alongside anxiety reduction.
The benefits extend beyond lessening anxiety. Children often experience improvements in their ability to interact with others, manage their feelings, and navigate previously challenging social situations.
This means they are better equipped to participate in school, build friendships, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The key to success seems to lie in the personalized nature of these interventions. By addressing the specific challenges faced by autistic children, therapists can help them develop the tools they need to thrive.
These therapies empower children to understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy. Ultimately, this leads to a more positive and fulfilling experience for both the child and their family.
2. School-based CBT programs
Delivering CBT programs within schools offers several advantages for autistic students with anxiety. First, it improves access to treatment by bringing therapy directly to the child’s environment, eliminating potential barriers like transportation or scheduling conflicts.
Second, it allows for greater collaboration between therapists, teachers, and parents, ensuring a consistent approach to anxiety management throughout the child’s day.
Third, it facilitates the integration of learned skills and strategies into the child’s daily routine and social interactions, promoting generalization and long-term benefits.
School-based CBT programs may involve individual or group therapy sessions, as well as classroom-based activities and support. These programs often adapt their content to be engaging and relevant to autistic students, using visual aids, structured activities, and clear expectations.
School staff involvement in the program can also help create a supportive and understanding environment for the child.
3. Music therapy
Music therapy provides a structured and predictable sensory experience, which can be calming for autistic children who may be sensitive to overwhelming or unpredictable sensory input.
The rhythm and melody in music can help regulate their sensory systems and reduce anxiety caused by sensory overload.
Music also offers a safe and non-threatening way for children to express their emotions. They are able to communicate and process feelings that might be difficult to express, leading to emotional release and reduced anxiety.
Slow tempos and calming melodies can induce relaxation and reduce physiological arousal associated with anxiety. Therapists can also teach children coping strategies, such as listening to calming music or engaging in music-based relaxation exercises.
4. Mindfulness-based techniques
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment and cultivating awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. For autistic individuals, these practices can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation.
By learning to observe their anxiety without getting overwhelmed by it, individuals can develop a greater sense of control over their reactions.
Mindfulness-based techniques can be incorporated into therapy sessions or practiced independently. Some common practices include mindful breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful movement activities.
These practices can help reduce stress reactivity, increase self-awareness, and promote a sense of calm and acceptance. Mindfulness can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, to enhance their effectiveness.
5. Specialized day treatment for ASD and co-occurring anxiety
Rogers Behavioral Health-Tampa Bay offers a specialized day treatment program for children and teens with autism who experience co-occurring conditions, such as:
- anxiety,
- depression,
- other mood disorders, or
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The program is designed to help children build healthier relationships and develop coping skills to manage their anxiety and mood symptoms.
The program uses evidence-based treatment approaches, including:
- exposure therapy,
- behavioral activation, and
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Family education and involvement are also key components of the program, and parents receive guidance and support in implementing new skills with their children.
In addition to traditional therapy, the program incorporates experiential therapy, which involves therapeutically designed activities that allow children to learn and practice skills in applied settings.
This approach helps children with ASD gain a deeper understanding of the skills and how to use them appropriately.
The program is offered in a partial hospitalization format, providing six hours of treatment per day, five days a week, for approximately six weeks. This intensive level of care allows for comprehensive treatment and skill development.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can request a free, confidential screening or contact Kara Rapozo via email.
This article was featured in Issue 64 – Teaching the Skills Your ASD Child Needs
FAQs
Q: How do you reduce anxiety in autism?
A: Providing a predictable routine, sensory accommodations, and clear communication can help reduce anxiety in autistic individuals. Teaching self-regulation techniques like deep breathing or using calming activities can also be beneficial.
Q: What is the best therapy for autism anxiety?
A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often recommended for managing anxiety in autistic individuals, with adaptations to suit their needs. Other effective approaches include occupational therapy for sensory challenges and social skills training.
Q: What is the best medication for autism anxiety?
A: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline are commonly prescribed for anxiety in autistic individuals. However, medication should always be tailored to the individual’s needs and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Q: What triggers anxiety in autism?
A: Common anxiety triggers in autism include sensory overload, unexpected changes, social situations, and difficulties with communication. High expectations, transitions, and past negative experiences can also contribute to anxiety.
References
Rodgers, J., Ofield, A. Understanding, Recognising and Treating Co-occurring Anxiety in Autism. Curr Dev Disord Rep 5, 58–64 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-018-0132-7
Kerns CM, Wood JJ, Kendall PC, Renno P, Crawford EA, Mercado RJ, Fujii C, Collier A, Hoff A, Kagan ER, Small BJ, Lewin AB, Storch EA. The Treatment of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder (TAASD) Study: Rationale, Design and Methods. J Child Fam Stud. 2016 Jun;25(6):1889-1902. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0372-2. Epub 2016 Feb 6. PMID: 28747814; PMCID: PMC5523838. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523838/
Vasa, R. A., Mazurek, M. O., Mahajan, R., Bennett, A. E., Bernal, M. P., Nozzolillo, A. A., … & Coury, D. L. (2016). Assessment and treatment of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 137(Supplement_2), S115-S123. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/137/Supplement_2/S115/34008
Michelle Menezes, Christina Harkins, Melissa F. Robinson, Jessica Pappagianopoulos, Robert Cross, Roma A. Vasa, Micah O. Mazurek, Treatment of anxiety in autistic adults: A systematic review, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 99, 2022, 102068, ISSN 1750-9467, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102068.
Geretsegger M, Elefant C, Mössler KA, Gold C. Music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Jun 17;2014(6):CD004381. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub3. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 May 9;5:CD004381. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub4. PMID: 24936966; PMCID: PMC6956617. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6956617/
Wood JJ, Kendall PC, Wood KS, Kerns CM, Seltzer M, Small BJ, Lewin AB, Storch EA. Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020 May 1;77(5):474-483. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.4160. PMID: 31755906; PMCID: PMC6902190. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6902190/
Other articles you may be interested in:
- Autistic Burnout: Causes and Prevention Tips
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- Relationship Between Autism and Schizophrenia
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- How Music Can Help Those With ASD Cope With Anxiety
- The Best Ways to Help People with Autism Manage Anxiety
- How Do I Know If My Child With Autism is Depressed?
- Anxiety and Autism: Best Ways to Relieve the Effects of Anxiety
- Ways to Unlock and Manage Your Autistic Child’s Anxiety
- Understanding The Difference Between Autism and Narcissism
- Autism and Paranoia: Is There a Connection?
