Implementing a School-Based CBT Intervention for Autistic and Typically Developing Girls with Anxiety

Abstract

This study examined changes in anxiety among 3rd- to 5th-grade girls with and without autism following a modified Facing Your Fears–Schools (FYF-S) program and explored student, teacher, and parent perceptions of the intervention. By integrating autistic and typically developing (TD) girls in a shared therapeutic setting, the study aimed to (1) bridge the gap between research and school-based practice, (2) expand access to mental health services for autistic students within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), and (3) offer autistic girls opportunities to engage with TD peers in naturalistic settings to support social communication and empathy, promoting a more inclusive school climate. While changes in anxiety at post-intervention were not statistically significant, trends suggested decreases across student, parent, and teacher reports. Social validity findings indicated that the intervention was acceptable, helped students learn coping strategies, and, according to some parents, normalized experiences of anxiety. Results support future research on inclusive, school-based CBT approaches.