{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"93. Autism, Anxiety, and OCD: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know","description":"What happens when autism, anxiety, and OCD look so similar that even caring parents and professionals can\u2019t tell what\u2019s driving the behavior? In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack talks with Dr. Alison LaFollette, Clinical Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about why these conditions so often overlap\u2014and how to start separating what\u2019s sensory, what\u2019s anxiety, and what\u2019s OCD. Dr. LaFollette explains the core autism criteria (social communication differences plus rigidity\/routines, transitions, specific interests, and sensory sensitivities) and shares why anxiety is so common for neurodivergent kids navigating a world not built for them. They also dig into treatment: ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) can work for autistic teens with anxiety\/OCD, but it often needs smart adjustments. Dr. LaFollette highlights the importance of practicing exposures across many settings (so learning generalizes), building real-life skills alongside ERP, and checking understanding with open-ended reflection instead of \u201cDoes that make sense?\u201d The takeaway for parents: the goal isn\u2019t \u201cno accommodations\u201d or \u201caccommodate everything\u201d\u2014it\u2019s a balanced plan that reduces suffering, supports regulation, and helps your child build a meaningful, more independent life. Zack\u2019s Hack- In this week\u2019s anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Emily Swiatek, \u201cGirl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life.\u201d Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. ","author_name":"Fear Less","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/481683","html":"