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

5 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research aims to pilot an intervention that will provide practitioners and clinicians with evidenced-based behavioral health strategies for working with autistic adults. The findings will contribute to the needed, yet sparse research of evidence-based behavioral health interventions for this population. The guiding research aims for this study are: 1. 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 expertise and lived experience. 2. To test the feasibility and acceptability of the SFBT. Namely, how well the intervention is received by this population and if participants can attend and engage in all 4 sessions. 3. To evaluate outcomes before and after the intervention and assess for any improvements through valid and reliable measurements of behavioral health outcomes. This research aims to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the retention rate of participants in the 4-weekly sessions of the SOLVE program? 2. Do participants show progress in their self-identified goals after the intervention? 3. What are the experiences and satisfaction rates of participants in participating in a four-session SFBT intervention? 4. Do participants report higher scores in quality of life and lower depressive and anxiety scores between baseline and immediately post-intervention? The five autistic participants will participate in four one-on-one weekly SFBT sessions conducted by licensed mental health professionals. The intervention is expected to take four to 5 weeks, allowing for cancelations and rescheduling as needed.

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Autism?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has shown positive outcomes in various contexts, such as improving self-efficacy and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals after a stroke, and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. Although specific studies on autism are limited, SFBT's strengths-based approach and focus on building solutions rather than solving problems may offer benefits for families affected by autism. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) safe for humans?

The available research on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) does not report any safety concerns, suggesting it is generally safe for humans. However, specific safety data for SFBT in individuals with autism is not provided in the studies reviewed. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How is Solution Focused Brief Therapy different from other treatments for autism?

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is unique because it emphasizes building on the individual's existing strengths and resources to create positive change, rather than focusing on problems. This approach is particularly empowering as it involves the person in creating their own solutions, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with autism. ^{2 4 5 10 11}

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Exceptions and Discovering Solutions: A Case Presentation of Autism and the Family. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Practitioner Review: The effectiveness of solution focused brief therapy with children and families: a systematic and critical evaluation of the literature from 1990-2010. [2019]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in individuals after stroke. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Processes and effects of solution-focused brief therapy in people with intellectual disabilities: a controlled study. [2014]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Solution-focused brief therapy: a review of the outcome research. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brief report: effects of solution-focused brief therapy group-work on promoting post-traumatic growth of mothers who have a child with ASD. [2021]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SAFE, a new therapeutic intervention for families of children with autism: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training clinicians to deliver group CBT to manage anxiety in youth with ASD: Results of a multisite trial. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stepped-Care Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Children on the Autism Spectrum with Co-occurring Anxiety. [2023]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Solution focused brief therapy in psychiatric practice]. [2019]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brief Solution Focused Therapy. [2020]