RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06904508

Brain Activity Changes After Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Autistic Youth From High-Need Communities

Electrophysiological Correlates of Anxiety-related Improvements Following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth in High-Need Communities

Sponsor

Montclair State University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Apr 30, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate neural constructs related to anxiety symptoms in response to Facing Your Fears (FYF) treatment in autistic participants with co-occurring anxiety. Researchers will compare participants receiving immediate FYF intervention to those in the waitlist control group (receiving treatment as usual) to see if there are differences in neural constructs and anxiety symptom changes over the study period. Participants will: * Complete the Facing Your Fears (FYF) intervention if assigned to the immediate treatment group * Continue their usual treatment during a waitlist period if assigned to the control group, followed by the opportunity to participate in FYF intervention after the waiting period ends * Complete assessments of neural constructs, anxiety symptoms, and other measures

Eligibility

Min Age: 8 YearsMax Age: 14 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is examining how cognitive behavioral therapy (a structured talk therapy) changes brain activity in autistic children from underserved communities who also struggle with anxiety — with the goal of understanding who benefits most and making the treatment more accessible. **You may be eligible if...** - Your child is between 8 and 14 years old - Your child has been identified as autistic based on standardized assessments - Your child is verbally fluent in English - Your child has an estimated verbal IQ of 70 or above - Your child has significant anxiety symptoms based on parent questionnaires - A legal guardian is available to participate alongside the child **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your child does not meet the autism or anxiety criteria on standardized tools - Your child is not verbally fluent in English - No legal guardian is available to participate Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALFacing Your Fears (FYF) Intervention: A CBT Focused Group Treatment for Autistic Youth with Anxiety

FYF is an outpatient, multi-family, evidence-based CBT group treatment for children and adolescents ages 8-14 with average intellectual abilities, and a primary co-occurring anxiety diagnosis (social, generalized, separation anxiety, or specific phobia).