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Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Children on the Autism Spectrum

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (E Brodkin, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize recent findings regarding anxiety and trauma-related disorders in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (autism), focusing on the distinct ways in which these conditions may be expressed, as well as advances in evidence-based assessment and treatment.

Recent Findings

Current findings suggest both anxiety and trauma-related disorders may be more prevalent, yet more complicated to address in autistic relative to non-autistic children. Overlapping symptoms and distinct manifestations of these disorders pose challenges for the accurate identification, assessment, and treatment of anxiety and trauma-related disorders in autistic children. Emerging evidence recommends adapting traditional assessment and treatment approaches to better meet the needs of autistic children.

Summary

Recent research suggests autism-centered conceptualizations, which accommodate complexity in how anxiety and trauma-related disorders are experienced and expressed by autistic people, are needed to enhance the psychiatric care of this population.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6S1ZT, Canada

    Elise Ng-Cordell, Victoria Wardell, Charlotte Stewardson & Connor M. Kerns

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  1. Elise Ng-Cordell
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  2. Victoria Wardell
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  3. Charlotte Stewardson
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  4. Connor M. Kerns
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Correspondence to Elise Ng-Cordell.

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Dr. Connor Kerns receives royalties from an edited clinical textbook on anxiety and autism published by Elsevier as well as honoraria and consulting fees for training other clinicians and researchers on the Autism Spectrum Addendum, which she developed. All other authors report no conflicts of interest.

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Ng-Cordell, E., Wardell, V., Stewardson, C. et al. Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Children on the Autism Spectrum. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 171–180 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01331-6

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