Assessing anxiety in children with autism

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2015

First Committee Member

Ahearn, William

Second Committee Member

Bourret, Jason

Third Committee Member

Hanley, Gregory

Abstract

"Individuals with autism are frequently diagnosed with anxiety using methods such as anxiety scales, surveys, and questionnaires. These methods are not well tailored for this population because they rely on verbal report and persons with autism often present with impaired communication. The purpose of the following study was to develop an assessment to identify whether it is likely anxiety is present and to treat anxiety when it is identified. The assessment consisted of a 5-min no interaction, 1-min period signaling the anxiety-provoking event, followed by a 2-min period of exposure to the anxiety-provoking stimulus, then another 5-min no interaction. Results indicated 2 out of 3 participants presented with anxious behavior while the third participant presented with escape-maintained problem behavior. For the first participant a relaxation repertoire was taught within the context of the anxiety-provoking event; results showed this was an effective treatment for the participant. For the second participant, the relaxation repertoire along with DRA plus shaping was utilized. Results showed this treatment to also be effective. The third participant presented with escape maintained problem behavior. Treatment included functional communication training incorporating a delay and denial training to teach a tolerance response within the targeted context."

This document is available upon request to Western New England University faculty, students, and staff. Please contact D'Amour Library at dref@wne.edu for access.

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