Can CBT Help Kids with Autism? What the Research Says
If you're a parent of an autistic child, you may have heard about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a potential treatment option. A 2013 review published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics examined whether CBT could help high-functioning autistic children with anxiety, behavior challenges, and core autism symptoms.
What Did the Study Find?
The researchers analyzed existing studies on CBT for autistic children. They found early evidence suggesting CBT might help with anxiety and some autism symptoms, but noted that many studies had methodological weaknesses. This means we can't draw firm conclusions yet about how well CBT works for autistic children.
Why Does This Matter for Autism Families?
Many autistic children struggle with anxiety and emotional regulation. If CBT proves effective, it could offer another tool to help children manage these challenges. However, the researchers emphasize that more rigorous studies are needed.
Practical Takeaways
- CBT might be worth exploring for high-functioning autistic children dealing with anxiety
- Look for therapists experienced in both CBT and autism adaptations
- Current evidence isn't strong enough to say CBT definitely helps with core autism symptoms
Important Limitations
This was a review of existing studies, not new research. Many studies had small sample sizes or other limitations. The researchers call for more rigorous future studies that examine specific CBT strategies and autism-specific adaptations.
You can read the full review article here: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children With Autism: Review and Considerations for Future Research (Published November/December 2013)
