Can CBT Help Autistic Kids? What the Research Says

A recent review study from UCLA looked at whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - a type of talk therapy that helps people manage thoughts and behaviors - works for autistic children. Here's what parents should know.

What Did Researchers Study?

The researchers reviewed existing studies about CBT programs designed for autistic children. They focused on programs targeting three areas:

• Anxiety
• Disruptive behaviors
• Core autism symptoms

What Did They Find?

According to their review:

• CBT shows promise for helping with anxiety and autism symptoms
• But the evidence isn't strong enough yet to say for sure it works
• Many studies had weaknesses in their methods that make results hard to interpret

Why This Matters for Autism Families

Many therapists already use CBT with autistic children, especially those who are verbal and "higher functioning." This review suggests that approach might help, but we need better research to know:

• Which parts of CBT work best
• How to adapt CBT for autistic kids' needs
• Which children benefit most

Practical Takeaways

If you're considering CBT for your child:

• It may be worth trying, especially for anxiety
• Look for therapists experienced with both CBT and autism
• Ask how they adapt CBT for autistic learners (like using more visuals)
• Track whether it's helping your child's specific challenges

Important Limitations

This was a review of existing studies, not new research. The authors note:

• Many studies had small numbers of participants
• Research methods varied widely
• We need more rigorous studies to be confident about CBT's effects

The bottom line? CBT shows potential, but we're still learning how best to use it with autistic children.

Source: Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (November/December 2013)