Publication Date
1-1-2024
Journal
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
DOI
10.1007/s10803-022-05775-w
PMID
36239830
PMCID
PMC9561323
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
10-14-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Adolescent, Child, Humans, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Autism spectrum disorder, Anxiety, Obsessive–compulsive disorder, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Treatment, Children
Abstract
This trial examined stepped-care cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) among 96 autistic youth with co-occurring anxiety. Step 1 included an open trial of parent-led, therapist-guided bibliotherapy. Step 2 was family-based CBT for those who did not respond to Step 1 or maintenance for those who did. Eighteen participants (28%) who completed Step 1 responded. Responders reported significantly lower pre-treatment anxiety, internalizing symptoms, and functional impairment than non-responders. After Steps 1 and 2, 80% of completers (55% intent-to-treat) were responders. Anxiety, impairment, and ASD-related impairments significantly improved. Youth in maintenance experienced faster improvement through post-treatment, though there were no group differences at 3-month-follow-up. A stepped approach may help some individuals in Step 1, particularly those who are less anxious.
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