A Transdiagnostic Toolkit to Improve Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Individuals
Florida International University
Summary
This pilot study is funded by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). We are conducting a pilot study to improve mental health treatment for autistic individuals. First, we will conduct remote focus groups to identify barriers to mental health treatment and methods to improve treatment. Based on results, we will develop a prototype of a resource for therapists. This resource will be pilot tested in a community clinic.
Description
Research Design: During Phase I of the study, the investigators propose to conduct remote focus groups with autistic individuals (n=15) and with licensed therapists (n=15) in order to identify barriers to mental health treatment for autistic individuals, as well as ways to improve mental health treatment. Based on this information, the study team will develop a prototype of a therapist-facing toolkit that will include strategies for adapting evidence-based treatments when working with autistic individuals. In Phase II of the study, 6 therapists treating autistic clients (n=12) in a community c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
The following describes Phase II (the clinical trial): Inclusion Criteria for clients: * A confirmed diagnosis of autism * Between 13 and 17 years old * Fluent in English * Have a co-occurring mental health condition that is appropriate for treatment at the community clinic participating in the proposed study Exclusion criteria: N/A All therapists working at the community clinic at which this study takes place will be eligible to participate.
Interventions
- BehavioralEnhanced Psychotherapy
Clients randomized to the Enhanced Psychotherapy group will receive psychotherapy from therapists who have access to a toolkit that reviews strategies for tailoring evidence-based therapy to improve mental health treatment for autistic individuals.
- BehavioralTreatment as Usual (TAU)
Clients randomized to this condition will continue to receive psychotherapy in a community clinic
Location
- Florida International UniversityMiami, Florida