The objective of this project is to determine the efficacy of CBT in anxiety symptom reduction for children with autism spectrum disorders. To further understand what factors contribute to a positive treatment response.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions that present during childhood. Symptoms of anxiety often co-occur with other diagnoses common in childhood, such as disorders of attention, mood, conduct and development. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at high risk for developing co-morbid psychiatric conditions, particularly symptoms of anxiety. Previous studies of the effectiveness of treatment for reducing anxiety symptoms in children with ASD have focused primarily on medications. Although there is a vast literature supporting the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) of anxiety symptoms in typically developing children few studies exist on the systematic use of psychosocial interventions for treating anxiety symptoms in children with developmental disabilities or ASD in particular. Modified cognitive behavioral strategies have been demonstrated to be effective in treating the anxiety symptoms of a child with Asperger Syndrome (Reaven & Hepburn, 2003).
A primary purpose of the current study is to measure the efficacy of a manualized group CBT treatment specifically written for children with ASD and their families. Children and their parents will participate in 14 weeks of group therapy intervention. Pre and post assessment will occur to document progress. Students participating in this project will learn the main components of a CBT protocol for treating anxiety symptoms in the population of high-functioning children with ASD.
Preceptor Information |
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| Name: | Judy Reaven |
| Department: | Psychiatry |
| Location: | JFK Partners |
| 9th Avenue and Colorado Blvd. Campus | |
| Contact: | 303-315-6503 |
| judy.reaven@uchsc.edu | |
| Faculty/Lab Website: | |
Position Information |
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| Openings: | 1 |
| Funding: | No |