Handen

This research investigates a group metacognitive treatment for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years who have anxiety and/or depression along with an autism diagnosis. The study focuses on evaluating how well the treatment can be recruited to and retained, participant compliance, treatment adherence, feasibility of outcome measures, participant acceptance, reports of adverse effects, and preliminary treatment effects on symptoms, quality of life, functional impairment, stress levels, and metacognitive processes. The treatment consists of a group metacognitive therapy based on Adrian Wells' transdiagnostic A-M-C model, delivered in 10 weekly sessions. Participants are organized into six groups of six individuals each. The therapy sessions are led by trained and experienced therapists and are designed specifically for youth with autism experiencing anxiety and depression. Participants undergo assessments before the treatment, after completing the treatment, and again at a 6-month follow-up. Some metacognitive processes are also monitored during each therapy session. Researchers measure changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using tools like the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale. The study also observes participant engagement, treatment feasibility, safety, and the relationship between metacognitive changes and symptom improvements over time.