Depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: application of cognitive behavioral therapy in school

Purpose Children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit symptoms of various mental disorders along with the defining features of ASD. High rates of several mental disorders have been reported in children and adolescents with or without ASD, such depression, and can occur in children of all ages with evidence of ASD. Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through various therapeutic techniques and tools, can help children and adolescents with evidence of autism to recognize and manage their depressive symptoms. The present study aims to examine whether a therapeutic CBT program can improve symptoms of depression in children and adolescents with elements of ASD in the school context.Methods Data were collected from 102 students (intervention group, N = 67), (control group, N = 35), Primary and Secondary Education with evidence of autism and coexisting mental disorder aged 7-16 years, through therapeutic intervention and quantitative research. The research was carried out within the school framework with the consent of the children’s parents during the 2021-2024.Results A significant reduction in symptoms of depression were observed after the intervention. There wasn’t a gender difference.Conclusion CBT programs are important tools for reducing symptoms of depression in children and adolescents with or without ASD.