RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05863520

A Comparison of Two School Based Interventions to Manage Anxiety in Autistic Students

Sponsor

University of Colorado, Denver

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Aug 25, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder Anxiety Disorders Emotion Regulation

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two school based interventions to manage anxiety in autistic students. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1) Compare the effectiveness of Facing Your Fears-School Based Program (FYF-SB) with Zones of Regulation (ZOR) on anxiety reduction and emotion regulation; and 2) examine the feasibility and satisfaction of FYF-SB and ZOR, according to students, caregivers and school providers. Autistic students with anxiety between 8-14 years will be randomized to either FYF-SB and ZOR. They will participate in one of the programs for 12 weeks and pre, post and follow-up measures will occur.

Eligibility

Min Age: 7 YearsMax Age: 15 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

known medical diagnosis of ASD OR educational identification of ASD OR suspected ASD
clinical anxiety according to either student, parent or teacher report
clinically significant impairment (T-score above 70) in reciprocal social behavior according to the Social Responsiveness Scale - Second Edition (SRS-2).
degreed professionals in one of the following: education (special or general education), school psychology, counseling, social work, speech/language pathology, occupational or physical therapy OR paraprofessional who assist ISPs
working with autistic students with anxiety
be able to complete study requirements including attending the training workshops, delivering at least 80% of the program they were randomized to, and participating in 80% of bi-monthly consultation sessions with the research team.

Exclusion Criteria5

known intellectual disability
significant behavior or psychiatric challenge that prevents them from participation in small group activities
lack of parent or caregiver permission for participation
if they are unable to participate in the trainings, deliver the program they are assigned to, or participate in any of the consultation visits
if they do not work with students with autism and anxiety

Interventions

BEHAVIORALZones of Regulation

ZOR is rooted in CBT principles and uses a metacognitive framework to increase awareness of feelings and to build regulation, prosocial skills, and overall wellness.

BEHAVIORALFacing Your Fears - School Based

FYF-SB is a CBT program for managing anxiety in autistic youth.