A case series evaluation of the Fearless Me! © program for children with intellectual disabilities and anxiety.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have high rates of mental health disorders, particularly anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has largely remained unexamined as a treatment option for this population. Fearless Me! © is an adapted CBT treatment program specifically designed for children and adolescents with ID. METHOD: Eleven children, aged between eight and 17, completed 10 therapy sessions. Measures of anxiety were completed pre and posttreatment and at 3 and 12-month follow-ups by both the children and parents. RESULTS: Six children reported significant reductions in anxiety, with all showing significant reductions in parent-reported child anxiety at either posttreatment assessment, 3-month follow-up, or 12-month follow-up. Results varied across the six children as all parents reported heightened anxiety, but not all children reported high levels of anxiety for themselves. CONCLUSION: Overall, this evaluation provides a sound basis for continued investigation and research into the use of the Fearless Me! © modified CBT program to treat children with ID and anxiety.