Story perspectives

Study Reveals Varied Therapy Outcomes for Autistic Adults

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Nature Mental Health study evaluated standard psychological therapy for autistic adults with depression and anxiety and showed varied outcomes, with some improving and many experiencing no change or worsening.
The analysis included 7,175 autistic individuals who underwent therapy between 2012 and 2019.
The study found that ethnicity and daily functioning difficulties influenced treatment success.
The findings call for tailored mental health care and neurodiversity-affirming practices to improve therapy effectiveness.

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Story summary

A Nature Mental Health study evaluated standard psychological therapy for autistic adults with depression and anxiety and showed varied outcomes, with some improving and many experiencing no change or worsening.
The analysis included 7,175 autistic individuals who underwent therapy between 2012 and 2019.
The study found that ethnicity and daily functioning difficulties influenced treatment success.
The findings call for tailored mental health care and neurodiversity-affirming practices to improve therapy effectiveness.