A Qualitative Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Components for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults: Lived Experiences from a Modified Group Program
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| Title: | A Qualitative Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Components for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults: Lived Experiences from a Modified Group Program |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bruna B. Roisenberg, Kelsie A. Boulton (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(5):1147-1164. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Cognitive Restructuring, Behavior Modification, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adults, Program Effectiveness, Group Therapy, Barriers, Safety |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261424830 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety. However, despite the high prevalence of social anxiety among autistic adults, much less is known about how autistic people experience each CBT component used in treatment. This qualitative study explores autistic adults' perspectives on a modified cognitive-behaviour therapy group programme for social anxiety, focusing on the perceived effectiveness of CBT components and the identification of needed modifications. Twenty-seven participants who completed the intervention took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified core themes related to therapeutic impact (application of CBT group strategies) and participant experiences (suggestions for future iterations of social groups). Overall, exposure tasks were viewed as helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly when structured and predictable. Cognitive restructuring was often experienced as effective; however, its impact was sometimes limited by persistent and deeply held core beliefs and past negative experiences. Social strategies and anxiety management skills were appreciated for their structured format and educational elements, but generalizability was sometimes raised as a limitation. Participants also recommended additional adaptations, including flexibility in content delivery and modifications to the physical environment. Findings highlight overall support of cognitive-therapy components for reducing social anxiety in adults, but also benefit to tailoring CBT approaches to the needs of autistic adults. Results from this study offer practical guidance from autistic people to enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of future CBT interventions. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503211 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety. However, despite the high prevalence of social anxiety among autistic adults, much less is known about how autistic people experience each CBT component used in treatment. This qualitative study explores autistic adults' perspectives on a modified cognitive-behaviour therapy group programme for social anxiety, focusing on the perceived effectiveness of CBT components and the identification of needed modifications. Twenty-seven participants who completed the intervention took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified core themes related to therapeutic impact (application of CBT group strategies) and participant experiences (suggestions for future iterations of social groups). Overall, exposure tasks were viewed as helpful in reducing anxiety, particularly when structured and predictable. Cognitive restructuring was often experienced as effective; however, its impact was sometimes limited by persistent and deeply held core beliefs and past negative experiences. Social strategies and anxiety management skills were appreciated for their structured format and educational elements, but generalizability was sometimes raised as a limitation. Participants also recommended additional adaptations, including flexibility in content delivery and modifications to the physical environment. Findings highlight overall support of cognitive-therapy components for reducing social anxiety in adults, but also benefit to tailoring CBT approaches to the needs of autistic adults. Results from this study offer practical guidance from autistic people to enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of future CBT interventions. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261424830 |
