In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Patrcia Renno, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles CAN Clinic and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA who works with children and adults with autism. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Renno about people with autism who also struggle with anxiety.

Together, they discuss:

• The most common types of anxiety seen in autistic individuals
• What CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is and how it can help
• How Modified CBT can work better for people with autism
• Resources for people with autism who also struggle with anxiety

Listen now to hear Dr. Renno explain how CBT has strong evidence for treating anxiety in individuals with autism.

Show Notes:

To view the entire presentation “ Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=NGNJhD7HouE&feature=youtu.be

To view the Autism and Anxiety resources discussed in today's episode, visit:https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/in_other_words_autism_and_anxiety_resources.pdf

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan