Dialectical behaviour therapy for people with autism who struggle with emotions and self-harm
Tests dialectical behaviour therapy for managing emotions in people with autism.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for People With Autism: A Multiple Baseline Single Case Design
Key facts
- Where
- Leeuwarden, NetherlandsSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for people aged 16 or older with autism who have behaviour problems, such as self-harm or emotional outbursts, that cause problems in daily life. They follow a 10-month talking therapy called DBT.
- Age
- 16 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- A DSM-5 diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, with clear behaviour problems that cause problems in daily life, such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, emotional outbursts or conflicts with others.
- Biomarker or test result
- BMI above 17.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Antisocial behaviour that disturbs the group
- A trauma-related disorder that could get in the way of DBT or needs trauma treatment first
- Heavy dependency on substances with no workable plan in place
- A psychotic disorder that is not stable
- Bipolar disorder
Read by machine on 13 November 2026.
Where in Netherlands
- GGZ FrieslandLeeuwarden, NetherlandsContact: Emma SmeengeTaking 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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- GGZ Friesland
- Trial code
- NCT07786883
- Record updated
- 26 August 2026
- Original description
The goal of this experimental study is to test the effectiveness of Dialectic Behavioural Therapy in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The aim questions are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for People With Autism, Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Self-harm Behaviour: A Multiple Baseline Single Case Design
The goal of this experimental study is to test the effectiveness of Dialectic Behavioural Therapy in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The aim questions are:
1. What is the effect of DBT on maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and emotional well-being in patients with ASD? 2. Is the use of DBT skills associated with a reduction in maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and an increase of emotional well-being over time? 3. What are the dynamics over time between maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, emotional well-being and sensory overload?
Participants will:
* Follow DBT of 10 months * Keep a diary on their urge of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and well-being
Inclusion: DSM-5 diagnosis of ASD; Sufficient understanding, as demonstrated in conversation with intake therapist; Explicit behavioural problems, which, according to patient and therapist, lead to functional problems (like suicidal ideation, auto mutilation, emotional outburst and interpersonal conflicts); BMI > 17; Commitment to the therapy and shared goals as assessed by intake therapist.
Exclusion: Presence of a trauma-related disorder that is likely to interfere with the ability to engage effectively in DBT or that requires specialized trauma-focused treatment prior to or alongside DBT as assessed by intake team; Diagnosis of psychotic disorder if not stable; Diagnosed with bipolar disorder; Antisocial behaviour which interrupts the group climate; Excessive dependency on substances for which no parallel appropriate policy can be made.