Mindfulness Training: Reducing Anxiety in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Students with ASD frequently experience anxiety disorders as a co-occurring condition (Kent and Simonoff in Anxiety Child Adolesc Autism Spectr Disord. 10.1016/b978-0-12-805122-1.00002-8, 2017). Symptoms related to anxiety disorders affect students with ASD in a variety of domains, including academic performance, inclusion opportunities within school, daily living activities, and social relationships. Although still an emerging field, research suggests that the implementation of mindfulness therapy (MT) and practice holds promise for addressing anxiety among students with ASD (Cachia in Autism Paradig Recent Res Clin Appl. 10.5772/65394, 2017). The ideas outlined in this manuscript can assist school personnel and parents in building a high quality mindfulness based program for students with ASD and anxiety disorders.