Can Group Therapy Help Autistic Kids with Anxiety? What a Study Found

Many children with autism also struggle with anxiety, which can make daily life and social interactions even harder. A 2012 study explored whether group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) could help reduce anxiety in kids with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here’s what the research found—and what it might mean for your family.

What Did the Researchers Study?

The study involved 71 children (ages 7–12) with high-functioning autism and significant anxiety. Half participated in a 12-week group CBT program designed specifically for autistic children, while the other half were placed on a waitlist (and later offered therapy). The therapy included:

Teaching kids to recognize anxious feelings and thoughts.
Practicing coping strategies like relaxation techniques.
Gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
Social skills practice in a supportive group setting.

What Did They Find?

Children who completed the group CBT showed significant reductions in anxiety compared to those on the waitlist. Parents and clinicians reported improvements in:

General anxiety levels.
Social anxiety (fear of interacting with others).
Separation anxiety (fear of being away from caregivers).

Many of these benefits lasted even six months after therapy ended.

Why Does This Matter for Autism Families?

Anxiety is common in autistic children, but traditional talk therapy isn’t always effective for them. This study suggests that group CBT—when adapted for autism—can help. The group setting also provided social practice, which is often a challenge for kids with ASD.

Practical Takeaways

If your child struggles with anxiety, consider:

Looking for autism-specific CBT programs. Therapists trained in autism can adjust methods to fit your child’s needs (e.g., using visuals or breaking down abstract concepts).
Asking about group therapy. A well-structured group can offer both anxiety support and social skill-building.
Working on coping strategies at home. Techniques like deep breathing or gradual exposure to fears can be practiced daily.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

This was a well-designed study, but it had limits:

It focused on high-functioning autistic kids—results may differ for those with higher support needs.
The therapy required parent involvement, which may not be feasible for all families.
Long-term effects beyond six months weren’t studied.

Still, the findings are promising and align with other research supporting CBT for autistic children with anxiety.

Where to Learn More

You can read the full study here. If you’re interested in group CBT for your child, ask their therapist or school about local programs, or search for providers trained in autism-adapted CBT.