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Psychological

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Emerging Evidence1 linked studyCompare with another

About This Intervention

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Structured therapy addressing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Research

Evidence Summary

Research on CBT for autism is very limited. Only one study meeting review criteria was found, classified as having limited evidence quality. With no participants reported across available studies, drawing conclusions about CBT's effectiveness for autistic individuals remains difficult. More research would help clarify whether CBT might be useful and for which autistic people it could potentially help.

Evidence last reviewed: 21 July 2026

Research

Linked Studies (1)

Emerging

Effects of Stepped Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Child Depressive and Externalizing Symptoms in Autistic Children With Anxiety.

American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities2025

Rast Catherine E, Guzick Andrew G, Soileau Keaton J et al.

Plain-English summary

Researchers studied 76 autistic children with anxiety using a step-by-step treatment approach. All children started with parent-led self-help materials, then some moved to therapist sessions. Both groups saw improvements in depression and behavior problems. Surprisingly, children who stayed with parent-led help did better than those who moved to therapist sessions, but by 3 months later, both groups were doing equally well.

Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.

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AutismInsights presents published research for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your child's paediatrician, psychologist, or allied health team before making decisions about therapies or interventions.