Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Autism

(SOLVE Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin

Disqualifiers: Suicidal ideation, Major mental health, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 4-5 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a therapy called Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to determine its effectiveness in improving the quality of life and mental well-being of autistic adults. The goal is to assess whether this therapy is effective, easy to attend, and well-received by participants. Participants will attend four weekly one-on-one sessions with a licensed mental health professional. Eligible participants are autistic adults aged 18 to 30 who can communicate verbally and attend in-person sessions in Austin. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance therapeutic options for autistic adults.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are being treated for a major mental health condition with medication, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for autistic adults?

Studies have shown that Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) leads to positive results for many people and issues, without causing harm. It boosts confidence in one's abilities and reduces depression symptoms. Research with autistic adults indicates that SFBT helps them make positive life changes by focusing on their strengths. These findings suggest that SFBT is generally safe and well-received by different groups, including autistic adults. Participants in these studies reported no negative effects, indicating that SFBT is a safe therapy option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is unique because it emphasizes a strength-based approach, encouraging autistic adults to utilize their existing skills and resources to foster positive change. Unlike traditional therapies that often focus on diagnosing and treating deficits, SFBT shifts the focus to what individuals can do, empowering them to find solutions that work for their specific situations. Researchers are excited about this method because it offers a more personalized and optimistic path to improvement, potentially leading to quicker and more meaningful results for those on the autism spectrum.

What evidence suggests that Solution Focused Brief Therapy is effective for autism?

Studies have shown that Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which participants in this trial will receive, can lead to positive outcomes for various issues, including autism. Research indicates that after SFBT sessions, participants often feel more empowered and motivated to achieve their goals. Specifically, for autism, SFBT has been linked to increased confidence and reduced depression symptoms. One small study found that participants attended all sessions and reported greater success in achieving their goals. Overall, SFBT appears promising in enhancing quality of life and reducing anxiety and depression for autistic individuals. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for autistic adults who can attend and engage in four weekly one-on-one therapy sessions. The study seeks participants willing to share their experiences and measure behavioral health outcomes before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to attend 6 sessions, including assessments and therapy.

Proficient in English

Able to communicate verbally

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently receiving treatment for a major mental health condition.

Screen positive for suicidal ideation

I have a legal guardian appointed by the court.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Pre-assessment

Participants undergo in-person pre-assessments before the first SFBT session

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive four one-on-one weekly SFBT sessions conducted by licensed mental health professionals

4-5 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Post-assessment

Post-assessments are conducted in-person after the last SFBT session

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction scores

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Trial Overview The trial tests Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) tailored for autistic adults, assessing its feasibility, acceptability, retention rate, progress on self-identified goals, satisfaction with the therapy, and changes in quality of life and mental health scores.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SFBT intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Behavioral: Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) A behavioral health intervention designed to help autistic adults to make a positive change in their life using strength-based approach.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas at Austin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

387

Recruited

86,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The SAFE (Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling) intervention is a new family therapy designed specifically for families of children with autism, aiming to provide comprehensive support and improve mental health outcomes for family members.

This study will assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial involving families of children aged 3-16 years, focusing on various outcomes such as child behavior, parent-child attachment, and mental health, with data collected at baseline and 32 weeks post-allocation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial. McKenzie, R., Dallos, R., Stedmon, J., et al.[2023]

Clinicians who participated in Workshop training conditions showed significantly increased knowledge of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and delivered the Facing Your Fears program with higher fidelity compared to those trained via a Manual, indicating that interactive training methods may enhance the quality of therapy delivery.

Despite the differences in training methods, all clinicians effectively reduced anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting that the Facing Your Fears program can be successfully implemented across various training formats.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training clinicians to deliver group CBT to manage anxiety in youth with ASD: Results of a multisite trial. Reaven, J., Moody, EJ., Grofer Klinger, L., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. solutionfocused.net solutionfocused.net/research-in-solution-focused-therapy/

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Overall Effectiveness: SFBT demonstrated positive outcomes across a wide range of issues and populations, with no evidence of harm. High ...

2. disabilitystudies.utexas.edu disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/solve

SOLVE - Supportive Outcomes through Listening, Validation ... In our pilot study we found that participants engaged in all four sessions and reported feeling more empowered, had stronger motivation to achieve their goals, ...

3. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138422/

Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy - NCBI - NIH Psychological outcomes were reported by six studies, with three reporting significant improvements and the remainder showing positive trends.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-autism-spectrum-disorder-7-2024-43c1c

Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Autism (SOLVE Trial) Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has shown positive outcomes in various contexts, such as improving self-efficacy and reducing symptoms of depression and ...

5. journalsfp.org journalsfp.org/article/129824-solution-focused-practice-and-autism-within-the-primary-classroom-a-retrospective-case-study

Solution Focused Practice and Autism Within the Primary ... This retrospective case study sought to explore if SFP could be utilised within a primary education setting to support an autistic pupil with their well-being.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06587594

Supportive Outcomes Through Listening, Validation, and ... To implement a small-scale pilot study aimed at refining the Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and protocol for use with autistic adults based on clinician ...

7. moritzcenter.utexas.edu moritzcenter.utexas.edu/research/solution-focused-brief-therapy-with-autistic-adults-a-development-and-pilot-study/

Solution Focused Brief Therapy with Autistic Adults This pilot project created an intervention to provide practitioners and clinicians with evidence-based methods for working with autistic adults.