A Toolkit to Improve Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Individuals

A Transdiagnostic Toolkit to Improve Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Individuals

This pilot study is funded by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). We are conducting a pilot study to improve mental health treatment for autistic individuals. First, we will conduct remote focus groups to identify barriers to mental health treatment and methods to improve treatment. Based on results, we will develop a prototype of a resource for therapists. This resource will be pilot tested in a community clinic.

Research Design: During Phase I of the study, the investigators propose to conduct remote focus groups with autistic individuals (n=15) and with licensed therapists (n=15) in order to identify barriers to mental health treatment for autistic individuals, as well as ways to improve mental health treatment. Based on this information, the study team will develop a prototype of a therapist-facing toolkit that will include strategies for adapting evidence-based treatments when working with autistic individuals. In Phase II of the study, 6 therapists treating autistic clients (n=12) in a community clinic will be randomized to continue treatment as usual or to receive access to the toolkit. Study investigators will collect pilot data to explore whether the toolkit (1) improves therapist knowledge of autism and confidence treating mental health conditions in autistic people, (2) is acceptable to therapists, and (3) improves the acceptability and efficacy of mental health care for autistic adolescents.

The following describes Phase II (the clinical trial):

Inclusion Criteria for clients:

• A confirmed diagnosis of autism
• Between 13 and 17 years old
• Fluent in English
• Have a co-occurring mental health condition that is appropriate for treatment at the community clinic participating in the proposed study

Exclusion criteria:

N/A

All therapists working at the community clinic at which this study takes place will be eligible to participate.