Work

Adaptations to cognitive behavioural therapy for autistic children and young people with anxiety: A systematic review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Children and young people with autism have an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. While the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety in autistic youths is well researched, less is known about the active ingredients to adapting therapy. This review (PROSPERO: CRD42023429990) summarises the modifications for CBT for anxiety in autistic youths. Systematic searches across five databases led to the identification of 31 eligible studies. A narrative synthesis highlighted the importance of practical modifications, parent and teacher input, affective education, skills training, feedback, and practice of CBT tasks. Future research should examine the effectiveness of these different adaptations across different ages and minoritised groups. • Synthesises modifications in 31 studies examining modified CBT for children and young people with anxiety. • Practical adjustments, affective education, skills training and parent/teacher feedback are frequent adaptations to CBT. • Findings can inform future effectiveness research and therapy delivery guidelines for this population.

Source: Research in Autism

DOI: 10.1016/j.reia.2026.202916

Authors: Tasnim Uddin, Catharine Reid, Lucia Valmaggia, Sailaa Sunthararajah, Matthew J. Hollocks

Institutions: King's College London, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Melbourne, Orygen

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,410