Comparing Emotion Regulation Therapies for Autistic Youth and Young Adults Using EASE and Unified Protocol

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two different therapies aimed at improving emotion regulation in autistic adolescents and young adults. The study compares a widely used treatment for non-autistic groups, called The Unified Protocol UP, with a program designed specifically for autistic individuals, called The Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement Program EASE. Both therapies target mental health challenges like depression, irritability, and anxiety, which are important issues identified by patients and caregivers. This trial is conducted in partnership with community clinics in Pennsylvania and Alabama to support real-world application. The trial includes two treatment groups one receiving the EASE program and the other receiving the UP therapy. EASE is a 16-session mindfulness-based program focusing on awareness of emotional arousal, distress tolerance, helpful thoughts, and self-compassion. Each session lasts 45 to 60 minutes and is delivered one-on-one, with caregiver involvement encouraged. UP consists of 16 cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, also lasting about 45 to 60 minutes each, focusing on recognizing emotions and developing coping strategies. Each community clinic involved is randomly assigned to provide either EASE or UP. Participants will attend sessions over about 16 to 20 weeks, with assessments at the start, midpoint, end of treatment, and three months after treatment ends. Researchers will measure emotion regulation, mental health symptoms, quality of life, mindfulness, self-compassion, and therapeutic alliance using various questionnaires and scales. The study also evaluates how acceptable and feasible each therapy is for providers and clients. The total participation includes these treatment and follow-up periods, with ongoing monitoring of provider confidence over four years.

Comparing Two Different Emotion Therapies for Autistic Youth and Young Adults