Identification and Treatment of Clinical Anxiety in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Anxiety disorders and clinically significant anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and a growing body of research has addressed how to diagnose and treat them in older children. These anxiety symptoms can interfere with children's ability to benefit from interventions designed to address symptoms of ASD. Many preschoolers with autism also exhibit anxiety that significantly affects their daily functioning. Some symptoms of anxiety can be challenging to disentangle from traits of autism, but correctly identifying clinical anxiety in children with autism is important, as studies suggest that it responds to psychosocial intervention even in this age range. This article provides an overview of the assessment and treatment of anxious symptoms in young children with ASD. Several skills-based interventions designed to reduce anxiety in young children are reviewed. Recommendations for providers are offered. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2025;55(4):e98–e101.]