RecruitingNot Applicable

TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot

United States24 participantsStarted 2026-05-05

Plain-language summary

Compared to the general population, autistic youth are at increased risk for both exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms following trauma exposure. Autistic people identify approaches to effectively addressing trauma as a top mental health research priority, yet providers in community settings often report inadequate training in trauma treatment. The purpose of this study is to conduct an open pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based intervention for youth affected by trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), that has been modified for autistic youth served in Community Mental Health Centers.

Who can participate

Age range6 Years – 17 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

✓. Employed as a clinician at a participating Community Mental Health Center (CMHC; publicly-funded mental health program) for at least 6 months.
✓. Trained in TF-CBT.
✓. Has an eligible autistic youth on current caseload (see below).
✓. Between 6 and 18 years old (up to 17 years, 11 months).
✓. Current medical diagnosis of autism.
✓. Has a non-offending caregiver who is able to participate in treatment (i.e., caregiver who is not the perpetrator of the abuse/other trauma).
✓. Initiated outpatient psychotherapy services from participating therapist within enrolled CMHC.
✓. A moderate level of trauma-related distress as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 (CATS-2).

What they're measuring

Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

Timeframe: 6 months after starting implementation

Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)

Timeframe: 6 months after starting implementation

Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)

Timeframe: 6 months after starting implementation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07420478

SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-31

Contact for this trial

Kaitlyn Ahlers, PhD

603-650-7075 kaitlyn.p.ahlers@hitchcock.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Autism Spectrum Disorder trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range6 Years – 17 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

✓. Employed as a clinician at a participating Community Mental Health Center (CMHC; publicly-funded mental health program) for at least 6 months.
✓. Trained in TF-CBT.
✓. Has an eligible autistic youth on current caseload (see below).
✓. Between 6 and 18 years old (up to 17 years, 11 months).
✓. Current medical diagnosis of autism.
✓. Has a non-offending caregiver who is able to participate in treatment (i.e., caregiver who is not the perpetrator of the abuse/other trauma).
✓. Initiated outpatient psychotherapy services from participating therapist within enrolled CMHC.
✓. A moderate level of trauma-related distress as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 (CATS-2).