CBT for Autism in School Settings

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is significantly more effective than psychosocial treatment-as-ususal (TAU) for autistic children at school. A recent study found that when researchers compared the two approaches, CBT had more than double the positive effects on autism symptoms during unstructured playtime and social interaction. Over the course of 16 weeks, thirteen young people, ages 7 to 11 years of age, were engaged in either 32 CBT or TAU sessions. Observers, unaware of treatment exposure, recorded the participants’ behavior at recess twice, initially to ascertain a baseline and again after treatment. Researchers found that CBT outpaced TAU handily. Self-isolation decreased, time spent with peers rose, and positive interaction increased as well.

Read the full article here: CBT for Autism in School Settings | Beck Institute Blog