Actively Recruiting
CBT for Youth With Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Needs in Community Care Settings
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2026-02-09
100
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
260 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
V
Virginia Commonwealth University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is a 4-year randomized, controlled trial comparing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to usual clinical care for children (aged 6-14 years) with autism and emotional dysregulation (e.g., irritability, anxiety). We will randomly assign 50 mental health clinicians, each treating 2 youth (N = 100 youth total), to CBT program for emotional dysregulation and core autism symptoms with weekly live consultation with an expert or to usual clinical care augmented by self-instruction in CBT, in a 1:1 allocation. The CBT manual is well-supported in our efficacy research, has been replicated in other centers, is free/open-access (meya.ucla.edu), and has user-friendly digital and traditional print materials for mental health clinicians (e.g., psychologists, counselors) to use in preparing for and conducting therapy sessions. The primary outcome measure will be assessed weekly. Additional assessments will occur at Screening, Mid-treatment, Post- treatment and 3-month Follow-up.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
CBT for Youth With Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Needs in Community Care Settings
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Youth aged 6 to 14 years
- Boys or girls with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder confirmed by a licensed professional
- Parent-reported Social Responsive Scale-2 (SRS-2) Total T-Score above 60
- Clinically significant emotional dysregulation symptoms with Brief Problem Monitor (BPM) T-scores of at least 60 on Externalizing or Internalizing subscales and a minimum 15-point difference between these subscales
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-3 Communication Composite Standard Score above 60 and Expressive Communication subscale v-score above 8
- Newly referred for outpatient services with a participating clinician
- Clinicians must treat youth with ASD regularly and agree to enroll at least 2 families in the study per clinician
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe comorbid symptoms such as psychotic symptoms that require immediate treatment or ongoing medication adjustments
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
Westside Regional Center
Culver City, California, United States, 90024
Actively Recruiting
2
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN)
Sacramento, California, United States, 95817
Actively Recruiting
3
Naval Medical Center San Diego
San Diego, California, United States, 92115
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Wood
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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