Attacking Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Guide to an Engaging Approach to Treating Anxiety and Phobias in Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Drawing on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this book sets out a clear, enjoyable, step-by-step approach for addressing the sorts of anxieties, fears and phobias that are so common in children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related challenges.

Using this easy-to-follow model, parents and professionals will have the tools they need to help children and teens cope with and sometimes overcome anxieties caused by everyday occurrences. The book covers seven common scenarios, from fears of environmental sounds and visiting the doctor or dentist, to anxieties around transitions, changes to schedules and an intolerance for making mistakes. The model can be adapted to suit almost any anxiety or phobia and is ideal for use at home, at school and in clinical settings where it can be integrated into a variety of treatment approaches and styles.

Designed to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and the teachers and therapists who work with them, this book is an excellent resource for successfully alleviating many of the anxieties and phobias that interfere with life enjoyment, not only for the child but for the entire family.

Naomi Chedd is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Educational Consultant in private practice. Naomi and Karen Levine have worked collaboratively with children with autism and developmental disabilities for more than ten years. They have written many articles for families, therapists and educators and frequently present at conferences.

Karen Levine is the Clinical Director for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the Cambridge Center for Child and Adolescent Development of the Cambridge Health Alliance, and is an Instructor at the Harvard Medical School. Karen and Naomi Chedd have worked collaboratively with children with autism and developmental disabilities for more than ten years. They have written many articles for families, therapists and educators and frequently present at conferences.