Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Children with ASD

Dr. Gillian Boudreau, Ph.D., RYT
June 2, 2014

Children on the autism spectrum may experience significant anxiety which can impact their own lives as well as the dynamics within their families. Because of the unique way that anxiety manifests in ASD, triggers and symptoms of anxiety can be difficult for families to anticipate and address—resulting in misinterpretation of common expressions of anxiety and preventing effective intervention.

In this workshop, participants will learn to recognize and understand anxious patterns among children and adolescents on the spectrum. Parents will be educated about effective treatment options and will practice powerful and innovative techniques to effectively reduce anxiety at home. 

Dr. Gillian Boudreau is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. She has spent years as a clinician in therapeutic and hospital- based schools in New York City and developed and directed a school-based initiative in Vermont providing intensive behavioral programming in public elementary schools. Dr. Boudreau currently practices at the Vermont Center for Integrative Therapy. She frequently works with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum with a focus on fostering understanding and effective communication between these individuals and their family and community. Mindfulness and its utility in reducing anxiety and supporting healthful internal systems and family systems is a primary focus of her clinical work.