Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a modified version of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for autistic youth who have experienced trauma. The goal is to determine if this therapy is effective and accepted by both the children and the therapists who provide it. It aims to assist those with autism who have moderate trauma-related distress and are already receiving therapy at specific mental health centers. Individuals with an autism diagnosis who struggle with trauma symptoms might find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve therapeutic options for autistic individuals facing trauma.
What prior data suggests that this therapy is safe for autistic youth?
Research has shown that Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is generally safe and manageable for most individuals. TF-CBT has undergone extensive testing in numerous studies, consistently demonstrating positive outcomes. For instance, one study found that 95% of participants completed their TF-CBT treatment, suggesting that most individuals find the therapy manageable.
Other studies have indicated that while some symptoms might temporarily worsen during therapy, they typically improve over time. Specifically, TF-CBT has proven effective in reducing trauma-related symptoms in young people.
Overall, TF-CBT is considered safe, even when adapted for autistic youth, as it is based on a well-researched method.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional therapies for autism that may not specifically address trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is unique because it is specially adapted for autistic youth. This therapy targets trauma-related symptoms, which are often overlooked in autism treatments. Researchers are excited about this approach because it combines the evidence-based effectiveness of TF-CBT with modifications that account for the specific needs of autistic individuals. This could lead to more effective outcomes for autistic youth who have experienced trauma, offering them tailored support that standard autism therapies might miss.
What evidence suggests that Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective for autistic youth affected by trauma?
Studies have shown that Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) effectively treats trauma in young people. In 25 studies where participants were randomly assigned to different treatments, TF-CBT significantly improved PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms compared to usual treatments. One study found that TF-CBT had a strong impact on reducing trauma symptoms and depression. While these results are based on general youth populations, this trial will focus on a modified version of TF-CBT specifically for autistic youth. Early research suggests these modifications can make the therapy more accessible and effective for autistic youth.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kaitlyn Ahlers, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dartmouth Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) modified for autistic youth
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Collaborator
Citations
1.
digitalcommons.chapman.edu
digitalcommons.chapman.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=scandrett_graduate_library_research_prizeIncreasing the Accessibility of Trauma Focused Cognitive ...
The purpose of this pilot study is to provide the foundation for future studies which will evaluate the efficacy of modifications/accommodations ...
A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study of Telehealth-Based ...
The current study is a pilot proof-of-concept evaluation of telehealth-based trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for Autistic youth.
A randomized controlled study of trauma focused cognitive ...
This study compared the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and enhanced treatment as usual (eTAU) in children and adolescents ...
4.
tfcbt.org
tfcbt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Trauma-Focused-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-2024.pdfTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
In 25 randomized controlled trials, TF-CBT was significantly superior to usual community treatment or other comparison conditions, in improving children's. PTSD ...
Effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy ...
The effect size (Cohen's d) between the TF-CBT and control groups was 0.96 (p =.014) for posttraumatic symptoms and 1.15 (p =.004) for depressive symptoms.
TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot
Compared to the general population, autistic youth are at increased risk for both exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms ...
Tailoring Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ...
It is based on our practice, piloting and supervision of Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-. CBT) cases with youth who have IDD and on survey responses of certified TF-CBT.
8.
oklahomatfcbt.org
oklahomatfcbt.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TF-CBT-with-Transitional-aged-youth.pdfTrauma-Focused Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy ( ...
Conclusion: Regardless of the expected temporary symptom exacerbation, the results indicated that TF-CBT was safe, tolerable, and acceptable. Transitional-aged ...
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