A meta-analysis of 19 randomized clinical trials involving 833 autistic children up to 18 years old has revealed a significant disparity in perceptions of the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety treatment. While clinicians and parents tend to rate CBT as highly effective, autistic children themselves consistently rate it as less effective. This discrepancy raises concerns about how clinical trials assess anxiety in young individuals and who truly benefits from CBT. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand why this disparity exists and to improve the measurement of treatment outcomes in autistic children, as well as to make CBT more tailored to their needs.