What is this research about?
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have problems with anxiety. Past research suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help lessen anxiety in children with ASD. This type of therapy teaches children ways of thinking and behaving that help them cope with, face, and reduce their anxieties (e.g., how to recognize what they are feeling, ways to think about their problems differently). CBT is the most scientifically supported talk therapy treatment for anxiety in children. However, because children with ASD have problems with social skills, communication and behaviour, the effectiveness of traditional CBT can be limited. This research is one of the first studies to assess how effective CBT can be when adapted specifically for children with ASD.
