TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot

N/ARecruitingNCT07420478

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center24 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder PTSD and Trauma-related Symptoms Autism Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 6 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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).

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

Parents/caregivers and therapists will complete the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), a widely used four-item measure that assesses the extent to which individuals believe an intervention is acceptable. Participants rate the intervention on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability. Scores range from a minimum score of 4 to a maximum score of 20. This measure demonstrates good reliability and validity. Parents/caregivers and therapists trained in how to modify Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for autistic youth will complete the AIM at the 6-month (post-treatment) timepoint.