Date of Award
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Alison Clabaugh
Abstract
The research question under investigation in this paper is in regard to the treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The investigation focuses on which treatment method is most effective in the treatment of the anxiety symptoms. While there are many methods to choose from, from psychosocial therapies to pharmacological therapies to alternative therapies, but the focus of this paper was on psychosocial therapy options. The research has shown that a modified version of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment program is the most effective in treating anxiety in children with ASD. Much of the research in this field is centered around either modifying already existing CBT treatments for anxiety in typically developing children or creating brand new treatment programs - both types have had research evidence to back up the efficacy of their method. However, there is more research that needs to be done in this particular field before any one treatment method can be officially deemed the most effective - it is imperative that research into the available and most effective treatments for comorbid anxiety disorders in children with ASD continue in more depth until a treatment solidly supported by large amounts of empirical evidence has been determined.
Recommended Citation
Trout, Melissa, "Treatment of Comorbid Anxiety Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2020). Capstone Showcase. 30.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2020/psychology/30
Treatment of Comorbid Anxiety Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The research question under investigation in this paper is in regard to the treatment of comorbid anxiety disorders in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The investigation focuses on which treatment method is most effective in the treatment of the anxiety symptoms. While there are many methods to choose from, from psychosocial therapies to pharmacological therapies to alternative therapies, but the focus of this paper was on psychosocial therapy options. The research has shown that a modified version of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment program is the most effective in treating anxiety in children with ASD. Much of the research in this field is centered around either modifying already existing CBT treatments for anxiety in typically developing children or creating brand new treatment programs - both types have had research evidence to back up the efficacy of their method. However, there is more research that needs to be done in this particular field before any one treatment method can be officially deemed the most effective - it is imperative that research into the available and most effective treatments for comorbid anxiety disorders in children with ASD continue in more depth until a treatment solidly supported by large amounts of empirical evidence has been determined.