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Nonpharmacological interventions for social anxiety in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders: A meta-analysis
Date Issued
2026
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Journal
ISSN
1049-7315
1552-7581
Citation
Research on Social Work Practice, 2026.
Type
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose:
Social anxiety disorder is common among youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and causes substantial functional impairment. Nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) are frequently used, but the evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous.
Method:
We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2014 and 2024 examining NPIs for social anxiety in youth with NDDs. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six single-arm studies met inclusion criteria; random-effects models were used.
Results:
Pooled RCT analysis showed no significant difference between intervention and control (Hedges’ g = −0.42, 95% CI [−0.96, 0.11]) with high heterogeneity. Single-arm studies similarly showed no significant pre–post effect. Most studies had moderate to high risk of bias.
Discussion:
Current evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about NPI effectiveness for social anxiety in youth with NDDs. Adequately powered RCTs with standardized outcomes and more diverse samples are needed.
Social anxiety disorder is common among youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and causes substantial functional impairment. Nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) are frequently used, but the evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous.
Method:
We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2014 and 2024 examining NPIs for social anxiety in youth with NDDs. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six single-arm studies met inclusion criteria; random-effects models were used.
Results:
Pooled RCT analysis showed no significant difference between intervention and control (Hedges’ g = −0.42, 95% CI [−0.96, 0.11]) with high heterogeneity. Single-arm studies similarly showed no significant pre–post effect. Most studies had moderate to high risk of bias.
Discussion:
Current evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about NPI effectiveness for social anxiety in youth with NDDs. Adequately powered RCTs with standardized outcomes and more diverse samples are needed.
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