Emotion-Regulation Groups for Autistic Children: A Research Review
Published July 7, 2026
A 2026 review of group-based emotion-regulation programs for autistic children and teens, including what the evidence can and cannot show.
<p><em>About this review</em></p><p><em>This 2026 systematic review examined group-based programs intended to support emotion regulation and related social-emotional skills for autistic children and teens.</em></p><p><em>What the researchers reviewed</em></p><p><em>The authors searched seven databases for studies published from 2012 to 2022. They included 17 studies of group-based emotion-regulation interventions for autistic participants aged 7 to 18 years and assessed each study’s risk of bias.</em></p><p><em>What approaches appeared in the studies</em></p><p><em>Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed approaches were most common. Some programs also included play-based activities, mindfulness, or yoga. Many involved parent or teacher education and ways to reinforce skills between sessions, such as structured practice at home.</em></p><p><em>What the findings mean</em></p><p><em>The review found that these programs show promise for supporting socio-emotional competence. However, several studies did not include comparison groups, so it is not possible to say with confidence which approach works best, for whom, or how much any individual child will benefit.</em></p><p><em>A practical, affirming lens</em></p><p><em>Emotion regulation support should be collaborative and respectful of a child’s communication style, sensory needs, culture, strengths, and autonomy. It should not be used to pressure a child to mask distress or appear less autistic. Families can ask about the goals, evidence, adaptations, and how a program will respond when participation is difficult.</em></p><p><em>Further reading</em></p><p><em>PubMed record and abstract: </em><a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40231407/"><em>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40231407/</em></a></p><p><em>This resource summarizes research and is not therapy or medical advice.</em></p>