The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects children's relationships, behaviors, and social interactions.Children with ASD often face mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, which can significantly affect their quality of life and daily functioning.This study aimed to find the effectiveness of cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) on the mental health of children and adolescents with ASD through a systematic review of existing research.Method: Through a systematic review, all relevant studies were selected based on keywords including autism spectrum disorder, cognitive-behavioral therapy, anxiety, depression, mental health, children, and adolescents.The studies were retrieved from international databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus, covering the period from September 2009 to August 2024.A total of 894 English-language articles were assessed by the researchers based on inclusion criteria and quality evaluation using the PRISMA framework.After the final qualitative evaluation, twenty-seven studies were selected for review to address the research questions.Results: Among 894 studies on the effectiveness of CBT on the mental health of children and adolescents with ASD, twenty-seven studies involving 625 children and adolescents from various countries were reviewed.The results showed that CBT is particularly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving quality of life.Additionally, it helps address issues such as insomnia and obsessive behaviors.These findings highlight the success of CBT in managing mental health challenges on an international level.Conclusion: This study emphasizes that CBT can serve as an effective approach to managing mental health symptoms associated with ASD and emphasizes the need for further research to examine the long-term effects and adaptability of this treatment to different age groups and types of disorders.