'Sometimes I'm feeling baffled and they're probably feeling baffled': On the experiences of psychological therapists working with autistic people in a structured primary care service for anxiety disorders and depression.

The study involved only 12 therapists from one region in England, which may not reflect experiences in other areas or services. Participants were recruited via email cascades, which may have attracted those with stronger opinions or more experience with autism. The findings rely on therapists' self-reported experiences and perceptions, without direct data from autistic patients. The region studied has higher deprivation and lower healthcare funding than the south of England, which may influence service pressures and findings.

Three of the authors are working psychological therapists, two are autistic, and all are experienced researchers. The interview schedule was reviewed by an autistic advocate who did not propose changes. No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest are declared in the provided text.

Do not interpret these findings as evidence that standard therapies are ineffective for autistic people. The study reports therapists' perceptions of barriers and adaptations, not clinical outcomes. A therapist who assumes CBT does not work for autistic patients based on this paper may withhold a potentially helpful intervention.