CBT

Hello, 

My daughter, who is 10, has been diagnosed this week with autism. We were expecting it and so no surprise and we now have the clarity we needed. CBT has been recommended. Can anyone share their child's experience of CBT? My daughter has high anxiety and this manifests in two areas, medical and overthinking at night leading to insomnia. My research on CBT shows it to be helpful but when I have read real people's stories on here I have found it has not been helpful. 

Any advice is appreciated, thank you. 

Parents
  • 18yo here, when I was first diagnosed autistic at 11 I was given 6 weeks of CBT. Mainly for anxiety about public transport due to sensory issues. It unfortunately made my problems worse because they tried exposure therapy for sensory issues, instead of working around them (eg suggesting using aids like headphones for the bus). Unfortunately it was the only way to get access to other, more helpful, therapy though. CAHMS would not suggest other help until they had proof that CNT doesn't help. It was seen as "the first step".

    Not sure if it still works like this, but I wouldn't be suprised if it hasn't changed. I have heard that CBT is helpful for anxiety if it doesn't stem from sensory issues / directly from autism

  • This is very helpful, thank you. She does have some sensory challenges but it is more general overthinking leading to fear of something bad happening. It can sometimes lead to insomnia. 

    May I ask what therapy you did find helpful for anxiety? Was it a talking therapy? Obviously please only answer if you feel comfortable sharing. 

    Many thanks 

Reply
  • This is very helpful, thank you. She does have some sensory challenges but it is more general overthinking leading to fear of something bad happening. It can sometimes lead to insomnia. 

    May I ask what therapy you did find helpful for anxiety? Was it a talking therapy? Obviously please only answer if you feel comfortable sharing. 

    Many thanks 

Children
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