Social Anxiety and Pragmatics in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Relation to Speech-Language Pathology

In this review of basic principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, application to treatment of anxiety in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is outlined and evidence for effectiveness presented. The links between social anxiety disorder and social communication impairment are explored, and the issues raised by applying principles drawn from psychology to clinical practice in speech-language pathology are discussed. Suggestions for clinical practice are offered, along with reflections on the potential for increased collaboration between cognitive behavioral therapists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to better serve individuals with ASD. Outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be impacted by many factors, including co-morbid psychiatric factors. In working on clinical pragmatics with individuals on the autism spectrum, it is not uncommon to come across clients who have a clinical diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Often, the symptoms of that disorder are present primarily in soci...