“Enhancing the detection and treatment of anxiety disorders in autistic youth”“Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in Williams Syndrome”

The Anne Klibanski Visiting Lecture Series was created to support and advance the careers of women. These lectures bring together faculty from institutions that have hosted Anne Klibanski Scholars with MGH scholars, on topics that overlap both research areas.

Dr. Kerns will present on “Enhancing the detection and treatment of anxiety disorders in autistic youth.”  Dr. Thom will present on “Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in Williams Syndrome.” 

Presenters: Connor M. Kerns, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Robyn P. Thom, MD, Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, MGH/HMS

Learning Objectives for Dr. Kern’s talk: Upon completion of this activity, participants were able to:

• Describe similarities and differences in how anxiety disorders presented in autistic v. allistic (non-autistic) youth.
• Describe challenges to assessing anxiety disorders in autistic youth and the importance of autism-tailored anxiety measures.
• Describe the evidence base supporting adapted and traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety in autistic children. 

Learning Objectives for Dr. Thom’s talk: Upon completion of this activity, participants were able to:

• To better understand the neurocognitive profile of individuals with Williams syndrome.
• Consider how cognitive behavioral therapy may be modified for individuals with Williams syndrome. 
• Discuss emerging psychopharmacologic treatments for anxiety in Williams syndrome.

Click here to watch webinar.