Adapting BA for Minimally Verbal Autistic Adults

Adaptation of a Behavioral Activation Treatment to Treat Depression in Autistic Adults

The present study aims to adapt and evaluate the feasibility of the BeatIt-2 behavioral activation intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and low mood to be implemented with minimally verbal autistic individuals.

Aim 1. The first phase of the project will focus on adapting the BeatIt-2 manual to consider specific needs of MV autistic adults. This procedure includes an intervention development group (IDG), for which MV autistic adults and their supporters (i.e., someone identified as a source of support they can work with) will be recruited. Aim 2. During the following phase of the project, a feasibility trial will be conducted. Using the treatment manual and study procedures adapted and refined in phase 1, the trial will examine the feasibility and acceptability of BeatIt-MV.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimally verbal
• Aged 18 years or older
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and clinically significant depression based on clinical best estimate diagnosis using DSM-5 or Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability criteria
• Have a support person willing to participate
• Live in New Jersey or New York, or be within travel distance to Rutgers University

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not able to engage in treatment in English
• current engagement in other treatment for depression
• conditions that may preclude engagement in treatment sessions (e.g., active psychosis, unmanaged seizures)
• high suicide risk (i.e., with a clear plan, expressed intent or recent documented attempts)