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Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Controlled Trial

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Abstract

A family-based, cognitive behavioural treatment for anxiety in 47 children with comorbid anxiety disorders and High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFA) was evaluated. Treatment involved 12 weekly group sessions and was compared with a waiting list condition. Changes between pre- and post-treatment were examined using clinical interviews as well as child-, parent- and teacher-report measures. Following treatment, 71.4% of the treated participants no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Comparisons between the two conditions indicated significant reductions in anxiety symptoms as measured by self-report, parent report and teacher report. Discussion focuses on the implications for the use of cognitive behaviour therapy with HFA children, for theory of mind research and for further research on the treatment components.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Autism Spectrum Australia (“Aspect”) and the St George Foundation. Also, thanks go to all the children and parents who made the research possible.

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  1. Annie’s Centre, PO Box 456, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia

    Anne Marie Chalfant

  2. Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia

    Ron Rapee

  3. Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Louisa Carroll

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Correspondence to Anne Marie Chalfant.

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Chalfant, A.M., Rapee, R. & Carroll, L. Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 1842–1857 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0318-4

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