A randomized controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural intervention for anger management in children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.

Sofronoff et al. (2007) ran a six-week clinic program to teach anger control to kids with Asperger syndrome. Half the families got the CBT group right away; the other half waited. Parents met at the same time in their own group and learned the same coping steps.

Each child session had cartoons, role-play, and take-home worksheets. Parents practiced praising calm behavior and ignoring mild grumbles. Staff checked in with teachers so skills could be used at school.

Parents who got the program said their children had fewer angry outbursts at home. The same parents also felt more sure of their own ability to handle meltdowns. Teachers saw some carry-over, but the biggest change was at home.

Perihan et al. (2020) pooled 23 studies and found CBT cuts anxiety in autistic kids by a moderate amount. Kate’s anger study sits inside that bigger picture—CBT helps both worry and anger when parents join in.

Santomauro et al. (2016) tried a similar group CBT with autistic teens, but saw only small mood gains. The difference: Kate’s team trained parents side-by-side, while Damian’s did not. Parent coaching may be the key ingredient.

Mruzek et al. (2019) later copied the idea in Kenyan schools and also saw calmer kids. Together the three RCTs show CBT works for anger and anxiety across cultures, as long as sessions are clear and parents practice.

You can run a short, low-cost CBT anger group in your clinic and see real parent relief in six weeks. Add a parent track—teach them to spot triggers, stay calm, and praise cool-downs. The same steps you use for anxiety can tame meltdowns, so merge the two goals in one package.