Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety in children and young people on the autism spectrum: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anxiety is common in youth on the autism spectrum and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been adapted to address associated symptoms. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of CBT for reducing anxiety in autistic youth.

Method

Searches of PubMed and Scopus databases were undertaken from January 1990 until December 2020. Studies were included if they consisted of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using CBT to reduce anxiety in autistic youth. Separate random effects meta-analyses assessed anxiety ratings according to informant (clinician; parent; child), both at end-of-trial and at follow-up.

Results

A total of 19 RCTs met our inclusion criteria (833 participants: CBT N = 487; controls N = 346). Random e

SUBMITTER: Sharma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8487131 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature