(REC) ABA for treatment of Anxiety

This webinar will explore the intersection of anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the challenges and opportunities for intervention using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We will begin by reviewing the statistics and prevalence of anxiety as a co-occurring condition with ASD, shedding light on how common this comorbidity is within the population. The session will also address the common symptoms of anxiety in individuals with ASD, highlighting the barriers to accurate identification and reporting of these symptoms, which often complicate effective treatment. Additionally, we will examine the challenges surrounding research on ABA interventions for individuals with anxiety outside of the ASD context, which can limit the generalizability of findings.

Throughout the webinar, we will identify key elements of ABA that can be effectively applied to individuals dealing with both anxiety and ASD, offering practical strategies for clinicians and caregivers. Finally, we will explore the potential benefits of integrating ABA with other evidence-based treatments, such as modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to provide a more holistic and comprehensive approach to treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will be able to state the prevalence and statistics of anxiety as a co-occurring condition with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The participant will be able to identify common anxiety symptoms in individuals with ASD and describe barriers to their accurate identification and reporting.
• The participant will be able to explain challenges in researching ABA interventions for individuals with anxiety outside the context of ASD.
• The participant will be able to describe key ABA principles and strategies for addressing anxiety in individuals with ASD.
• The participant will be able to explain the potential benefits of integrating ABA with other evidence-based interventions, such as modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to create a comprehensive treatment approach.

PRESENTER(S): Amanda Litton

Amanda is a compassionate and dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 7 years of experience in providing evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. She has a strong background in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, training staff, and providing family support to ensure sustainable outcomes. Additionally, she has a background in youth mental healthcare. She is passionate about fostering positive behavior change and improving quality of life through data-driven and client-centered practices.