Telehealth Rapid Intervention for Externalizing Behaviors in ASD

THRIVE-ASD: Telehealth Rapid Intervention for Externalizing Behaviors in ASD

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a time-limited version of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) delivered via telehealth for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and disruptive behavior problems. Families will be randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of Tele-PCIT or Treatment as Usual. Families will complete a baseline assessment, a post-treatment assessment, and a 3-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be between 2:0 -6:11 years old
2. Have elevated levels of disruptive behavior problems as defined by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory
3. Have a diagnosis of ASD based on a positive Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), a semi-structured parent interview, record review, and an ASD DSM-5 criteria checklist.
4. Have a receptive language age equivalent of at least 24 months as defined by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
5. Are of low SES background defined by having primary Medicaid

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of severe self-injurious behavior
2. Children who are receiving psychotropic medication and are not stable on their current medication regimen. Children receiving psychotropic medications who are on a stable regimen for one month will not be excluded.