[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/autism-and-child-anxiety\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/autism-and-child-anxiety\/","headline":"Autism and Child Anxiety: What’s the Connection?","name":"Autism and Child Anxiety: What’s the Connection?","description":"About 40% of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Find out from UPMC if there's a link.","datePublished":"2022-05-05","dateModified":"2024-03-18","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/talking-about-tragedy-with-family.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/talking-about-tragedy-with-family.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/autism-and-child-anxiety\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Mental Health"],"wordCount":435,"articleBody":"According to the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Up to 84% of those diagnosed with ASD also experience symptoms of anxiety. This may result in a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a specific phobia, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or generalized anxiety disorder.An autistic child with childhood anxiety may:Have frequent meltdowns.Complain of recurrent stomachaches.Avoid specific places or situations.Exhibit increased self-stimulatory or ritualistic behaviors.The common presence of anxiety in autistic children raises the question: Is there a connection between autism and childhood anxiety?The Link Between Autism and Childhood AnxietyMultiple studies have found that autistic children tend to have higher levels of anxiety compared with non-autistic children.While studies show that autistic children are more prone to anxiety, researchers aren’t exactly sure why. Some experts suggest there may be a genetic predisposition. Others point to the roles of the external environment in the development of an anxiety disorder.Anxiety Treatment for Autistic ChildrenFortunately, there are treatment options available to help autistic children with anxiety. Evidence-based treatments for anxiety have to be adapted and personalized to meet the unique needs of these children.Common anxiety treatments for autistic children include:Cognitive behavioral therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy gives children the tools to identify harmful thoughts and learn new ways to manage challenging situations.Parent training: Parent training is designed to give caregivers the specific skills necessary to best manage their child’s symptoms at home.Medication management: In some cases, doctors may prescribe anti-anxiety medicine alongside behavioral therapy.We’re Here to HelpIn collaboration with the Child Development Unit at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at UPMC Western Behavioral Health offers a network of care and research centers for autistic children and adults.Our team of experts includes psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and other doctors and caregivers who are dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people. Call 412-235-5445 to schedule an appointment or learn more.SourcesAnxiety and Depression Association of America, Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder, https:\/\/adaa.org\/learn-from-us\/from-the-experts\/blog-posts\/consumer\/anxiety-autism-spectrum-disorderAutism Speaks, Autism Facts and Figures, https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/autism-facts-and-figuresAutism Speaks, Managing Anxiety in Children with Autism, https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/expert-opinion\/managing-anxiety-children-autismPsychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network, Kids With Autism and ADHD at Higher Risk for Anxiety and Depression. https:\/\/www.psychcongress.com\/article\/kids-autism-and-adhd-higher-risk-anxiety-and-depressionU.S. National Library of Medicine, Anxiety Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis, National Center for Biotechnology Information. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5487760\/"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"05","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/05\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Autism and Child Anxiety: What’s the Connection?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/autism-and-child-anxiety\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]