Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
Review Article
Review and Considerations for Future Research
Psychological Studies in Education, Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Address for reprints: John T. Danial, MA, Moore Hall 3132A, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521; e-mail: [email protected].
Some of this project was funded by the Graduate Summer Research Mentorship program at University of California, Los Angeles.
Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Received March , 2012
Accepted June , 2013
Abstract
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.