Online Therapy for OCD in Children and Teens With Autism
Tests internet-delivered therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and teens with autism.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: ICBT for OCD in Children With Autism
Key facts
- Where
- Gothenburg, Lund, and Stockholm, SwedenSee the 3 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 7 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT06582225, who can take part
Where in Sweden
- BUP SpecialmottagningGothenburg, SwedenTaking people
- Forskningsmottagning barn- och ungdomspsykiatri LundLund, SwedenTaking people
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research CenterStockholm, SwedenTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Karolinska Institutet
- Trial code
- NCT06582225
- Record updated
- 14 September 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy, the cost-effectiveness and the effect durability of a therapist-guided, internet-delivered cognitive-behavior therapy intervention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents with autism. A process evaluation of the treatment will also be conducted.Read full original descriptionShow less
Internet-delivered Cognitive-behaviour Therapy for Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder in Children With Autism: A Randomised Controlled Trial
The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy, the cost-effectiveness and the effect durability of a therapist-guided, internet-delivered cognitive-behavior therapy intervention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents with autism. A process evaluation of the treatment will also be conducted.
Inclusion: A diagnosis of autism, based on the diagnostic criteria of the 4th or 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Informed by the parent/caregiver and subsequently confirmed by review of the medical record or the neurodevelopmental assessment report. A diagnosis of autism will be considered present if it was established with validated instruments, such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) edition 1 or 2 or the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO; autism or ASD cut-offs); A DSM-5 diagnosis of OCD. Confirmed by the assessor at the inclusion assessment, based on a structured diagnostic interview; A total score of ≥16 on the CY-BOCS. Confirmed by the assessor at the inclusion assessment; Age between 7 and 17 years. Confirmed by the caregiver and subsequently by the medical record system; Ability to read and write Swedish. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening or/and the inclusion assessment; Regular access to a computer or a smartphone/tablet connected to the internet, and a mobile phone to receive text messages. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening or/and inclusion assessment; A parent/caregiver able to participate in the treatment alongside their child. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening or/and the inclusion assessment.
Exclusion: Current suicidal intent or a previous suicide attempt within the last 12 months. Confirmed by the assessor at the inclusion assessment and, if required, the medical record; Completed CBT for OCD within the last 12 months prior to the inclusion assessment (defined as at least 5 sessions of CBT including ERP). Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening or/and inclusion assessment and, if required, the medical record; Initiation, dosage change or cessation of medication for OCD (primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs) or behavioural symptoms of ASD (atypical antipsychotics) within the 6 weeks prior to the baseline assessment. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening and the inclusion assessment and, if required, the medical record; Comorbid psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, severe eating disorder, severe depression, alcohol/substance dependence or hoarding disorder. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening and subsequently by the assessor at the inclusion assessment based on the structured diagnostic interview and, if required, the medical record; Global intellectual disability. Informed by the parent/caregiver and subsequently confirmed by review of the medical record or the neurodevelopmental assessment report, and additionally estimated with the two subtests matrix reasoning and similarities from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - fifth edition (WISC-V) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - fourth edition (WAIS-IV); Main symptom presentation consists of hoarding symptoms. Confirmed by the assessor at the inclusion assessment; Simultaneous psychological treatment for OCD or anxiety. Confirmed by the caregiver at the telephone screening and/or inclusion assessment; Having a close relationship to an already included participant (e.g., sibling, cousin), to avoid being randomised into two different arms, with the risk of information "leaking" between the groups. Confirmed by the caregiver or assessor at the telephone screening and/or at the inclusion assessment.