Close to 10% of school-aged children, including 37% of individuals with behavior problems and 40% of individuals diagnosed with autism, meet the criteria for having an anxiety disorder. Feelings of anxiety, in childhood and adolescence, can result in a high degree of personal distress, withdrawal, avoidance, and challenging behavior. While there is a large body of evidence indicating that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing anxiety, few engage in psychotherapy and many interventions do not account for the rigid, concrete, and difficult-to-express negative-thinking tendencies often associated with autism and related disabilities. Without adequate planning and training, many of the conventional ways educators and caregivers respond to anxiety exacerbate difficulties and contribute to its reoccurrence – especially for individuals with autism. This presentation focuses on highlighting practical strategies and tools to adapt and embed cognitive-behavioral strategies throughout a student’s day (i.e., home, school, and community) to build generalization of positive thinking and coping. Considerations for how to effectively integrate the efforts of community-based mental health professionals, educators, and parents will be offered.

 

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Grand Rounds provides new and updated information in the field of mental health to aid in continuing professional development. This program highlights the latest information in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, the newest research areas, and other pertinent issues in clinical psychiatry and mental health. Session presentations are held on Wednesday mornings 8-9 a.m., virtually and at the Medical College of Wisconsin Research Park Center when conditions permit. Grand Rounds runs the first three Wednesdays of each month from September through June. Generally, in-person Grand Rounds will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of that month's Grand Rounds.