Outcomes of Emotion Regulation Therapy in Young Autistic Adults

Outcomes and Neural Mechanisms of Emotion Regulation Therapy in Young Adults With Autism: A Pilot Feasibility Study

This pilot study is designed to investigate the clinical outcomes and neural mechanisms of emotion regulation behavioral treatment , in a small sample of young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Five young adults with ASD with emotional/behavioral challenges that are attributed to emotion dysregulation will be enrolled into an emotion regulation (ER) intervention administered twice weekly for a total of 16 sessions. Participants will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment using behavioral and imaging measures, and at mid-treatment and 2-month follow-up using behavioral measures administered electronically and/or via phone interview.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Ages 18-40
• Estimated full-scale IQ ≥ 80
• T score > 60 on either the externalizing or internalizing symptoms scores of either the Adult Behavior Checklist (ABC-L) or the Adult Self Report (ASR)
• Participation in previous study at the Olin Center ("Social Emotional Study"; E-HHC- 2018-0241)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intellectual disability (estimated full scale IQ<80
• History of a significant head injury (severe concussion, hospitalization)
• History of neurosurgery
• History of epilepsy, stroke, MS, a neurodegenerative disorder, or any other neurological disorder
• A current major medical condition (e.g. cancer, heart failure)
• Current substance use (determined by urine screen done to all participants before each MRI scan)
• In-body metal implants (e.g. surgical clips, certain pacemakers) or history of exposure to metal shards or other MRI contraindications
• Pregnancy