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Autism and Anxiety: Overlap, Similarities, and Differences

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Handbook of Autism and Anxiety

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

The present chapter provides an overview of current research on the co-occurrence of anxiety and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We first provide a brief history of the evolving conceptualization of these conditions and then summarize the research findings. Findings regarding the prevalence and presentation of anxiety in the context of ASD are offered. Similarities and differences in the quality, frequency, and developmental trajectory of anxiety symptoms in individuals with and without ASD, in particular, are discussed. We consider the methodological and theoretical challenges that have tempered the conclusions that can be drawn from existing studies, and address difficulties both differentiating and characterizing the relationship between anxiety and ASD. Finally, we offer future directions for the improved understanding and study of these conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3734, USA

    Connor Morrow Kerns Ph.D.

  2. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Philip C. Kendall

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  1. Connor Morrow Kerns Ph.D.
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  2. Philip C. Kendall
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Correspondence to Connor Morrow Kerns Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Louisiana State University Department of Psychology, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

    Thompson E. Davis III

  2. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Susan W. White

  3. Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech Child Study Center, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Thomas H. Ollendick

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Kerns, C., Kendall, P. (2014). Autism and Anxiety: Overlap, Similarities, and Differences. In: Davis III, T., White, S., Ollendick, T. (eds) Handbook of Autism and Anxiety. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-06796-4_6

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