Anxiety is one of the most prevalent co-occurring symptoms in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies show as many as 40% of those with ASD have diagnosable anxiety disorder and many more experience anxiety on a daily basis. As common as anxiety is in ASD, there are so few options for addressing and treating it. This workshop will explore anxiety, what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what can be done about it. Specifically, it will cover:

• Tools for assessing anxiety
• Treatment recommendations/intervention strategies
• The roll of sensory issues in anxiety
• Challenges of language and/or cognitive impairments
• Impact of anxiety on behavior
• A tool box of coping strategies for the whole family including a review of visual aides

This session will be conducted by a licensed clinical social worker along with a parent of a young man with ASD, who will discuss the challenges and successes from the parent’s perspective. This session is appropriate for parents and caregivers of individuals with ASD as well as educators.