A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study of Telehealth-Based Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth: Initial Evidence of Efficacy and Acceptability.

This small study tested online trauma therapy for 17 autistic children and teens (ages 10-17) who had experienced trauma. The therapy helped significantly reduce trauma symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Both children and parents liked the online format and found it helpful. The improvements lasted at least one month after treatment ended. This is promising early research, but larger studies are needed.

This pilot study evaluated telehealth-delivered trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for autistic youth aged 10-17 years (n=17) and their caregivers. The study addressed the significant gap in trauma-focused interventions for autistic youth, who experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and PTSD. Results showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms across multiple measures (youth self-report, caregiver report, clinician interview) with large effect sizes maintained at 1-month follow-up. Youth also reported reduced anxiety, while caregivers noted improvements in co-occurring mental health symptoms and some caregiver outcomes.

Both youth and caregivers rated the telehealth program favorably, suggesting good acceptability and feasibility.

TF-CBT delivered via telehealth shows promise for treating trauma in autistic youth, addressing a critical service gap. The telehealth format may improve accessibility. However, larger randomized controlled trials are essential before widespread implementation. Clinicians should consider trauma screening and evidence-based trauma treatments for autistic clients.

Very small sample size (n=17) limits generalizability. No control group for comparison. Single-arm pilot design cannot establish causation. Short follow-up period (1 month). Study type and specific methodological details not fully described in available abstract.

Autistic youth experience disproportionately high rates of child maltreatment and a wide range of other traumatic and stressful events, such as peer victimization. Very little empirical work has evaluated trauma-focused supports for Autistic youth, despite high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms. The current study is a pilot proof-of-concept evaluation of telehealth-based trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for Autistic youth (= 17, ages 10-17) and their caregivers. Youth PTSD symptoms significantly declined from the beginning to end of the program across youth self-report, caregiver report, and clinician interview, and effects were maintained at the 1-month follow-up with large effect sizes.

Youth self-reported significant declines in anxiety. Caregivers reported significant improvements in all co-occurring youth mental health symptoms and some caregiver-level outcomes. Youth and caregivers rated the program and telehealth delivery favorably overall. Future larger-scale randomized evaluations of TF-CBT for Autistic youth are needed.