Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Core Autism Symptoms in School-Aged Children: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

University of California, Los Angeles20 enrolled

Overview

This study is designed to examine the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for treating core autism symptoms, social and emotional problems, and adaptive behavior deficits in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

cognitive behavioral therapyBEHAVIORAL

32 weeks of CBT, 1.5 hours weekly.

Usual community careBEHAVIORAL

16 weeks of community care, 16 weeks of CBT, 1.5 hours/week.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 7 YearsMax age: 11 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion criteria: * 7 - 11 years of age * meet research criteria for a diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS * meet DSM-IV criteria for one of the following anxiety disorders: Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder * If taking medication, have maintained a stable dose for 1 month prior to baseline assessment Exclusion Criteria: * child has an IQ of less than 80 * begin taking new medication(s) or current medication dose changes either (1) less than 1 month prior to baseline assessment, or (2) during the study period * for any reason the child or parents appear unable to participate in the treatment program

Locations (1)

UCLA

Los Angeles, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

ADIS-C/P (Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule for Children and Parents)

Time frame: 8 months (post-treatment)

Secondary Outcomes

Behavioral observations of social responsiveness

Time frame: 8 months (post-treatment)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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