Helping Autistic Teens to Manage their Anxiety: Strategies and Worksheets using CBT, DBT, and ACT Skills

Drawing on the author's extensive clinical and research experience, this book presents practical strategies purposefully developed for parents, therapists and teachers working with autistic adolescents experiencing anxiety. In addition, it features chapters dedicated to assisting parents in supporting their anxious child.

The book outlines the co-occurence of anxiety and autism, highlights specific anxiety risks and triggers, and presents practical solutions for overcoming barriers to therapeutic engagement. A collection of CBT, ACT and DBT-informed practical worksheets are included, making this book ideal for use at home, at school or in OT, Psychology and Speech sessions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. The Overlap: Where Autism And Anxiety Meet
2. Risks, Triggers And Expression: A Lens For Understanding Anxiety
3. Making Anxiety Treatment Accessible And Engaging
4. Supporting Young People With Pathological Demand Avoidance
5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy To Reduce Symptoms Of Anxiety
6. Using Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) To Increase Psychological Flexibility
7. Using DBT Skills To Manage Strong Emotions
8. The Craft Of Parenting: Supporting The Anxious Adolescent

"Being autistic is not a pseudonym for anxiety, but they commonly co-exist. Autonomy cannot be the outcome without the journey of conquering our demons. This treasure of a book, for autistic teens and supporters, is an illustrated road map, with appropriate exercises, signposts and choregraphed terrain highlighting a safe way forward"
- Wenn B. Lawson, (PhD) CPsychol AFBPsS MAP

"This book provides an understanding of how anxiety can present in autistic young adults and adolescents and how to assist them in reducing their anxiety symptoms. The book is full of practical advice and is relevant to parents of autistic adolescents and young adults and also clinicians. The book is written from a strengths-based perspective and is inclusive and respectful of autistic people. Highly recommended."
- Yenn Purkis, autistic, ADHD and non-binary author and advocate