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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Sep;53(9):3460-3474.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05645-5. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Coping with uncertainty in everyday situations (CUES©) to address intolerance of uncertainty in autistic children: an intervention feasibility trial

Jacqui Rodgers  1 , Jane Goodwin  2 , Deborah Garland  3 , Victoria Grahame  4 , Lucy Isard  5 , Ashleigh Kernohan  6 , Marie Labus  7 , Mr Malcolm Osborne  8 , Jeremy R Parr  2 , Priyanka Rob  2 , Catharine Wright  9 , Mark Freeston  10
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Coping with uncertainty in everyday situations (CUES©) to address intolerance of uncertainty in autistic children: an intervention feasibility trial

Jacqui Rodgers et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Anxiety related to uncertainty is common in autism. Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES©) is a parent-mediated group intervention aiming to increase autistic children's tolerance to uncertain situations. A pilot study was conducted to test its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods: Parents of 50 autistic children were randomised to receive CUES© or enhanced services as usual.

Results: All children met the clinical threshold for at least one anxiety disorder. Of the 26 participants randomised to CUES©, 72% attended 4-8 sessions. Parents and therapists reported they found CUES© useful and acceptable.

Conclusions: Families were willing to be recruited and randomised, the format/content was feasible to deliver, and the outcome measures were acceptable. CUES© should be evaluated in a clinical and cost effectiveness randomised controlled trial.

Keywords: ASD; Anxiety; Autism; Intervention; Intolerance of uncertainty; Parent group; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Professor Jacqui Rodgers and Professor Mark Freeston developed the Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations (CUES©) Programme. Data presented in this article was collected as part of a CUES© feasibility and acceptability study. Professor Mark Freeston declares receiving royalties for books and honoraria for training in related areas addressing anxiety in neurotypical populations. Professor Rodgers declares receiving honoraria for training in related areas.

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