A conceptual perspective on the role of cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety in autism spectrum disorder
Open accessAbstract
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5, with its revised criteria for diagnosis, highlights the dynamics between the presence of other conditions and the severity of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with atypical cognitive profiles. This theoretical review intends to explore various facets of adopting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety in ASD, exploring the existing literature. Recent trends are inching toward exploring efficacious interventions, including CBT for anxiety in ASD. Clinical trials point towards favourable outcomes of CBT for anxiety in ASD Level 1. Engaging adaptations and customizations to CBT well within the conceptual confines to compensate for the gaps and framing ASD-specific outcome measures are crucial to addressing the symptom diversity in ASD.
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The effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety in autism may depend on how it is adapted for this population.
“The effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety in autism may depend on how it is adapted for this population (Prasanna & Nayak, 2024; Spain & Happé, 2020).”
From Understanding Autistic Adults' Psychological Experiences of Anxiety Problems: A Qualitative Interview Study. (2026) · cites this paper as Prasanna & Nayak, 2024
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Roberts-Davis, R. J., Happé, F. G., & Lau-Zhu, A. (2026) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613261455375 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“The effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety in autism may depend on how it is adapted for this population (Prasanna & Nayak, 2024; Spain & Happé, 2020).”
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- Authors
- Prasanna, N. V. T., & Nayak, M.
- Affiliations
- CMR University (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Prasanna, N. Venkata Tejo
- Venue
- Discover Psychology
- Published
- 2024-12-06
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- ISSN
- 2731-4537 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4405123309
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3
- FWCI
- 0.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Discover Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, comorbidities, symptom severity, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
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