How We Treat Autism & Anxiety at TAC (And Why It Works)

It starts with something small.

A meltdown after a routine change.

A sudden fear of going to school.

A world that feels like walking through a crowded airport with no headphones and no map.

You try to comfort your child, but the strategies that work for other kids just… don’t.

Whether you’re still wondering if your child might be on the autism spectrum, or you’ve already received a diagnosis, the questions can feel endless.

What does this mean for their future?

Am I doing the right things?

Why does everything feel so hard?

You’re not failing.

And your child isn’t broken.

You’re navigating something incredibly complex.

This guide explains what might really be going on beneath your child’s behaviors, why autism and anxiety often show up together, and how we help your child and your whole family move from surviving to thriving.

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🔁 The Cycle of Autism and Anxiety (And Why It's Not Just “Bad Behavior”)

Autism isn’t a behavior problem.

It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how your child experiences the world.

And anxiety?

It's often a constant companion.

According to the journal Autism Research, between 40% and 80% of autistic children also experience clinically significant anxiety, making it one of the most common co-occurring conditions.

But anxiety in autistic kids can look different.

It might look like stimming, such as rocking, flapping, or repeating phrases, to self-soothe.

Or extreme resistance to change.

Or meltdowns that leave both of you drained.

These aren’t tantrums.

They’re often your child’s way of saying,

“I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how to cope.”

According to neuroimaging research published in the journal Molecular Autism, many autistic children show heightened activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes fear and threat.

This helps explain why seemingly ordinary situations can feel overwhelming or even terrifying for your child.

And when their routines shift or sensory input becomes too much, their entire system can shut down.

“Anxiety doesn’t just layer on top of autism. It can amplify every challenge, from transitions to sleep to school refusal. That’s why understanding the ‘why’ behind the behavior changes everything.” — Lisa Willis, LSW, TAC Indianapolis Office, Associate Clinician

🛠️ The Tools That Actually Help: How We Treat Autism & Anxiety at TAC

We meet each child and their family right where they are.

Our approach blends deep clinical expertise with warmth and flexibility, using:

🧠 CBT

With visuals, stories, and step-by-step support to reduce anxiety and build coping skills.

💬 DBT

To help your child handle big feelings without meltdowns or shutdowns.

🎯 Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Carefully adapted to reduce avoidant behaviors without overwhelming your child.

💊 Medication support

For kids struggling with severe anxiety, ADHD, or depression.

🏥 Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For children who need more than weekly therapy.

🤝 Parent coaching and support

So you can confidently handle tough moments at home.

Whether you're a mom in Dayton, a grandparent in Indianapolis, or a foster parent in Cincinnati, we tailor every plan to your child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

We often see kids from neighborhoods across the greater Cincinnati area, suburban schools in Dayton, and busy households in downtown Indianapolis.

All with their own unique rhythms, challenges, and wins.

“Some families feel like they’ve tried everything. But with the right tools, support, and understanding, we see kids and parents make huge progress. It’s not about ‘fixing’ autism. It’s about helping the whole family feel less overwhelmed.” — Sarah Snow, MSW, LSW, TAC Dayton Office, Clinician

🌱 What Progress Really Looks Like

For autistic kids, progress doesn’t always look linear.

But you’ll start to see the signs:

A child who once shut down at the grocery store now makes it through with headphones and a plan.

A teen who used to avoid social situations starts attending class again.

A parent who used to dread mornings now has a routine that actually works.

We’ve seen families who felt like everything was spiraling slowly rebuild confidence.

Step by step, win by win.

One mom in Dayton told us her son hadn’t left the house in weeks.

But with a sensory plan, visuals, and practice sessions, he walked into school with confidence for the first time this fall.

“You don’t need perfection. You need the right support. When a child feels safe, seen, and understood, everything changes.” — Giorgio Fabbri, MSW, LSW, TAC Cincinnati Office, Associate Clinician

🚀 Starting Therapy at TAC: What Happens First (And Why It’s So Simple)

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One caregiver told us they expected judgment.

Instead, they got validation.

They didn’t need a perfect explanation.

Just a safe space to say,

“Something’s not working. And we need help.”

That’s how every first step should feel.

You don’t have to keep figuring this out alone.

And you don’t have to wait for things to get worse.

You’ve already done the hardest part: caring enough to seek help.

We’re here to walk with you the rest of the way.

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DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult a licensed professional.