TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot
Purpose
Compared to the general population, autistic youth are at increased risk for both exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms following trauma exposure. Autistic people identify approaches to effectively addressing trauma as a top mental health research priority, yet providers in community settings often report inadequate training in trauma treatment. The purpose of this study is to conduct an open pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based intervention for youth affected by trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), that has been modified for autistic youth served in Community Mental Health Centers.
Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- PTSD and Trauma-related Symptoms
- Autism
- Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
- Mental Health Services
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 6 Years and 17 Years
- Eligible Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
for Therapists 1. Employed as a clinician at a participating Community Mental Health Center (CMHC; publicly-funded mental health program) for at least 6 months. 2. Trained in TF-CBT. 3. Has an eligible autistic youth on current caseload (see below). Inclusion Criteria for Child Participants 1. Between 6 and 18 years old (up to 17 years, 11 months). 2. Current medical diagnosis of autism. 3. Has a non-offending caregiver who is able to participate in treatment (i.e., caregiver who is not the perpetrator of the abuse/other trauma). 4. Initiated outpatient psychotherapy services from participating therapist within enrolled CMHC. 5. A moderate level of trauma-related distress as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 (CATS-2).
Exclusion Criteria
for Child Participants 1. Does not present with trauma-related distress (score falls within the "Normal" range as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 Self- and Parent-Report).
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- N/A
- Intervention Model
- Single Group Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Health Services Research
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, modified for autistic youth |
Autistic youth will receive Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), modified for autistic youth, an evidence-based intervention for youth affected by trauma that has been modified for autistic youth. Enrolled clinicians will receive training in how to modify TF-CBT for autistic youth. |
|
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
