Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children With Autism

Objective: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is now commonly used for high-functioning children with an autism spectrum disorder. The objective of this article was to describe the methods and results of cognitive behavioral interventions for children with autism. Method: This article reviews CBT programs targeting anxiety, disruptive behavior, and core autism symptoms for children with autism. Results: There is emerging evidence suggesting that CBT is possibly efficacious for anxiety and autism symptoms, but methodological weaknesses must be addressed before clear conclusions can be drawn. Conclusion: More research needs to be conducted to examine the effectiveness of CBT for children with autism. Specifically, future research should use more stringent methodology and assess the effectiveness of specific cognitive strategies and autism-related adaptations.