Beyond the Buzz: What Truly Works for Anxiety in Autistic Kids (2025 Review Deep Dive)

This systematic review by Khaleeq et al. (2025) evaluates various treatments for anxiety in children under 18 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aiming to bridge a significant research gap compared to typically developing children. The authors analysed 33 studies published between 2014 and 2023, adhering to PRISMA guidelines to assess treatment effectiveness and potential adverse effects. Their findings indicate that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), particularly adapted CBT, is the most evidence-based psychological intervention for managing anxiety in autistic children. In contrast, the review highlights a notable scarcity and inconclusive results for pharmacological treatments, with some reporting adverse effects. Alternative treatments yielded mixed results ...