Treating transdiagnostic processes in ASD: going beyond anxiety

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide a concise overview of the modifications considered necessary for an intervention for anxiety in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF/ASD). There is growing literature that describes the types of programs available and recommended modifications for children with ASD and anxiety and we provide a review of those programs that are reporting significant improvements. The chapter then moves to consider the fact that children with HF/ASD often present with multiple difficulties, the basis of which is frequently emotion dysregulation. It is likely that the strategies used to manage these difficulties will have similarities with those used for anxiety. It is also the case that programs may need to be developed with these overlapping problems taken into account. The chapter proceeds to outline how this could be achieved with some examples presented from a program that is already moving in this direction—the Secret Agent Society