You and associates conducted a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials studies selected from a total set of 1,730 papers to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to improve the social skills of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These seven studies included nine data sets from 214 children with ASD. In spite of some limitations, their analysis showed that CBT was indeed effective in improving the social skills of ASD children.
Abstract
Background
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in treating various neurological and psychiatric diseases. It improves anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder, gaining considerable empirical support. However, social skills results are mixed, leading to debate over its effectiveness, highlighting the need for further development. While the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) is a secondary indicator to measure anxiety symptoms, it primarily evaluates social skills, which are essential for rehabilitating children with autism. Therefore, evaluating social disorder improvement in children with autism is imperative. Social impairment is a core autism symptom. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of CBT on social skills in this population.
Methods
We reviewed articles published in several databases through October 2022 and relevant reference lists. We used the standardised mean difference (SMD) as the main effect size indicator and focused on SRS metrics from baseline to endpoint. We analysed subgroups, heterogeneity, bias risk, and publication bias.
Results
Our meta-analysis included 214 children from seven randomised controlled trials with nine datasets. Forest plot analysis shows CBT improved social skills in children with autism compared to controls. Subgroup analysis revealed parents’ and teachers’ SRS scores for children, SRS scores of CBT versus waitlist controls, and those of CBT versus non-waiting-list controls.
Limitations
Most randomised controlled CBT trials for children with autism have explored anxiety symptom improvement. Further, social skill assessment was a secondary outcome or not assessed. Thus, social skills data are insufficient.
Conclusions
CBT is effective in improving social impairment in children with autism.
Citation
You, X.-R., Gong, X.-R., Guo, M.-R., & Ma, B.-X. (2024). Cognitive behavioural therapy to improve social skills in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 344, 8–17.
Dr Martin Fracker 