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. 2016 Jun;25(6):1889-1902.
doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0372-2. Epub 2016 Feb 6.

The Treatment of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder (TAASD) Study: Rationale, Design and Methods

Connor M Kerns  1   2 , Jeffrey J Wood  3 , Philip C Kendall  4 , Patricia Renno  3 , Erika A Crawford  4 , Rogelio J Mercado  4 , Cori Fujii  3 , Amanda Collier  5 , Alexandra Hoff  4 , Elana R Kagan  4 , Brent J Small  5 , Adam B Lewin  5 , Eric A Storch  5   6
Affiliations

The Treatment of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder (TAASD) Study: Rationale, Design and Methods

Connor M Kerns et al. J Child Fam Stud. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods of the Treatment for Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorders study, a three-site randomized controlled trial investigating the relative efficacy of a modular CBT protocol for anxiety in ASD (Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety in Children with Autism) versus standard CBT for pediatric anxiety (the Coping Cat program) and a treatment-as-usual control. The trial is distinct in its scope, its direct comparison of active treatments for anxiety in ASD, and its comprehensive approach to assessing anxiety difficulties in youth with ASD. The trial will evaluate the relative benefits of CBT for children with ASD and investigate potential moderators (ASD severity, anxiety presentation, comorbidity) and mediators of treatment response, essential steps for future dissemination and implementation.

Keywords: Anxiety Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trial.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Recruitment, treatment, and measures administered
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