Brain Activity and Anxiety Improvements After Facing Your Fears Therapy in Autistic Youth Ages 8 to 14 From Underserved Communities

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how brain activity relates to anxiety symptoms in autistic youth aged 8 to 14 from underserved communities. It investigates whether changes in brain activity align with improvements in anxiety after a cognitive behavioral therapy called Facing Your Fears FYF. The study also explores how brain activity connects with other anxiety-related factors such as handling uncertainty and managing emotions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives the FYF intervention immediately, which is a 12-14 week outpatient group therapy involving weekly 90-minute sessions for autistic youth and their caregivers. The other group continues their usual treatment during a waitlist period and can participate in the FYF program afterward. The FYF program focuses on psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral techniques to help manage anxiety. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including brain activity measurements using EEG, anxiety symptom questionnaires completed by youth and parents, and other tools measuring behavior and emotional regulation. These assessments occur before treatment and within two weeks after the intervention ends. Researchers will also monitor treatment adherence during each session. The total participation spans up to approximately 14 weeks from the first intervention session.

Brain Activity Changes After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Autistic Youth From High-Need Communities