Testing a modified trauma therapy for autistic children and teens
Tests a trauma-focused therapy adjusted for autistic children and teens in community clinics.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot
Key facts
- Where
- Lebanon, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanon, United StatesTaking 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
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Trial code
- NCT07420478
- Record updated
- 13 May 2026
- Original description
Compared to the general population, autistic youth are at increased risk for both exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms following trauma exposure. Autistic people identify approaches to effectively addressing trauma as a top mental health research priority, yet providers in community settings often report inadequate training in trauma treatment. The purpose of this study is to conduct an open pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based intervention for youth affected by trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), that has been modified for autistic youth served in Community Mental Health Centers.Read full original descriptionShow less
Implementation Science-Guided Pilot Study of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth in Community Mental Health Settings
Compared to the general population, autistic youth are at increased risk for both exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms following trauma exposure. Autistic people identify approaches to effectively addressing trauma as a top mental health research priority, yet providers in community settings often report inadequate training in trauma treatment. The purpose of this study is to conduct an open pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based intervention for youth affected by trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), that has been modified for autistic youth served in Community Mental Health Centers.
Inclusion: Employed as a clinician at a participating Community Mental Health Center (CMHC; publicly-funded mental health program) for at least 6 months; Trained in TF-CBT; Has an eligible autistic youth on current caseload (see below); Between 6 and 18 years old (up to 17 years, 11 months); Current medical diagnosis of autism; Has a non-offending caregiver who is able to participate in treatment (i.e., caregiver who is not the perpetrator of the abuse/other trauma); Initiated outpatient psychotherapy services from participating therapist within enrolled CMHC; A moderate level of trauma-related distress as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 (CATS-2).
Exclusion: Does not present with trauma-related distress (score falls within the "Normal" range as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 Self- and Parent-Report).