Examining Use of School Personnel in CBT Interventions for Anxiety in Students with ASD

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and can negatively impact student functioning, particularly relationships with peers and teachers. Though cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is increasingly used to address anxiety in school-aged youth with ASD, few studies have included school personnel in CBT treatment programs. This review examined the extant literature on CBT interventions that include school personnel in the treatment of anxiety among children and adolescents with ASD. Eight studies were identified and data were examined regarding the ways in which school personnel were incorporated in the treatment process and the efficacy of the results. Recommendations, including interventions that hold particular promise for use in schools, are discussed as well as ways in which school personnel may collaborate to meet the needs of students with ASD and anxiety.