The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether a modified version of 
the Coping Cat program could be effective in reducing anxiety in children with 
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-two children (ages 8-14; IQ ≥ 70) with 
ASD and clinically significant anxiety were randomly assigned to 16 sessions of 
the Coping Cat program (cognitive-behavioral therapy; CBT) or a 16-week 
waitlist. Children in the CBT condition evidenced significantly larger 
reductions in anxiety than those in the waitlist. Treatment gains were largely 
maintained at two-month follow-up. Results provide preliminary evidence that a 
modified version of the Coping Cat program may be a feasible and effective 
program for reducing clinically significant levels of anxiety in children with 
high-functioning ASD.