Modifying Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Autistic Youth

The goal of this study is to modify a therapy called Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for autistic kids and teens affected by trauma. Because autistic young people often get therapy in the community, we also want to learn how to support community providers to use TF-CBT with autistic kids and teens.

We want the input of autistic young people, caregivers of autistic youth, and clinicians who use TF-CBT to help modify TF-CBT.

All participants must be able to participate in an online focus group verbally or by typing.

Autistic young people will be eligible to participate if: 1) they have a medical diagnosis of autism and 2) are between 16 and 25 years of age.

Parents/caregivers of autistic youth will be eligible to participate if: 1) their child has a medical diagnosis of autism and 2) their child is between 6 and 18 years of age.

In the interest survey, please indicate if the youth and family have accessed trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as TF-CBT, in the past 18 months.

If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

1) Complete a brief online survey to tell us more about you, such as your age and gender identity.
2) Participate in one online focus group about TF-CBT that is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
3) Look over TF-CBT materials before and after the focus group.

With completion of a W-9, you will be paid between $60 and $100 for your time (depending on the length of the focus group).

This study is important because:

1) Autistic kids and teens experience high rates of trauma.
2) People can have changes in their thoughts and feelings after experiencing trauma.
3) TF-CBT has been shown to be helpful for many kids and teens (ages 3 to 18), but it has not be tested with autistic young people.

We want the input of autistic young people, parents and caregivers, and clinicians to modify a therapy (TF-CBT) to support autistic kids and teens affected by trauma.