Testing a CBT Program for Anxiety in Teenagers With Autism: A Feasibility Study

Testing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program for Anxiety in Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum: A Feasibility Study

The objective is to investigate the feasibility of a newly developed manualised group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme for anxiety in 15 teenagers (aged 13-17 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our aim is to focus primarily on acceptability and compliance with the program with some investigation of treatment effects on anxiety diagnosis and anxiety symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fulfil the diagnostic criteria for one or more anxiety diagnoses on the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV: Parent & Child interview schedule (ADIS C/P)
• Obtained a diagnosis of ASD according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD 10)

Exclusion Criteria:

• low intellectual functioning (<70)
• active psychosis
• untreated hyperkinetic disorder
• inability to speak Danish
• inability to leave the home
• inability to attend a group setting
• inability to meet for treatment caused by other psychiatric disorders.