Actively Recruiting
Electrophysiological Correlates of Anxiety-related Improvements Following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth in High-Need Communities
Led by Montclair State University · Updated on 2025-06-25
60
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Montclair State University
Lead Sponsor
C
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Activity Changes After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Autistic Youth From High-Need Communities
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between the ages of 8 and 14
- Significant deficits in reciprocal social behavior as shown by a score of 11 or above on the parent-report SCQ questionnaire
- Verbally fluent in English to participate in specific ADOS-2 modules
- Estimated verbal IQ of 70 or above as measured by the KBIT-2
- Clinically significant anxiety symptoms based on parent-report SCARED or PRAS-ASD questionnaires
- Have a legal guardian who can provide consent and participate in the intervention or allow another caregiver to participate alongside the child
You will not qualify if you...
- Failure to meet any of the inclusion criteria
- Presence of severe medical or psychiatric impairments requiring intensive treatment, such as psychosis or severe aggression, as determined by the research team
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 to 14 weeks
Participants in the treatment group attend weekly 90-minute group sessions focused on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to address anxiety.
Weekly visits for up to 14 weeks
Duration - Up to 2 weeks
Participants complete assessments within 2 weeks after the treatment ends to evaluate changes in anxiety symptoms and brain activity.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey, United States, 07043
Actively Recruiting
2
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erin Kang, PhD
A
Arabella Peters, B.A.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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