School based cognitive behavioural therapy targeting anxiety in children with autistic spectrum disorder: a quasi-experimental randomised controlled trail incorporating a mixed methods approach.

Clarke et al. (2017) tested a school-based CBT program for anxiety in children with autism.

Kids got weekly lessons in their own classrooms during the school day.

The team checked anxiety levels before, after, and again later to see if gains stuck.

Students who got the lessons showed less anxiety and stronger coping skills.

The benefits were still there weeks after the last session.

Teachers kept using the tools without extra help.

Reaven et al. (2024) ran a tougher study and got the same good news. Their train-the-trainer model lets regular school staff run the groups, so you don’t need outside experts.

Subramaniam et al. (2023) looks like a clash: hospital-based group CBT barely moved the needle. The gap is about place. Kids use new skills more when they practice where the anxiety happens—math class, not a clinic couch.

Cox et al. (2015) showed CBT gains can last over a year, backing Chris’s follow-up data and hinting that booster sessions keep the win alive.

You can pitch CBT right in the classroom. No buses, no pull-outs. Train a counselor or aide once, then run small groups each term. Track anxiety with simple teacher checklists. If numbers slip later, add a quick booster instead of starting over.