Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach to Addressing Anxiety in Children With ASD and Intellectual Disability

This research is testing a specific type of talking therapy called 'Facing Your Fears' (FYF) for young people aged 12-18 who have both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an intellectual disability, and also struggle with anxiety. Many young people with ASD and an intellectual disability experience anxiety, but there aren't many studies focusing on treatments specifically for them. FYF is a program designed to help children with autism manage anxiety. This study wants to find out if FYF is a good and practical treatment option for this group, and if it helps reduce their anxiety. It will involve parents and children attending sessions weekly over 12 weeks to learn and practice strategies.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Intellectual Disability

What is this study about?

Anxiety is a common feeling, but for some young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially if they also have an intellectual disability, it can be a really big problem. This can make everyday life much harder. While many studies have looked at anxiety in people with autism, far fewer have focused on those who also have an intellectual disability. This is because it can be tricky to design studies for this group, for example, when asking about their feelings.

This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers are looking at a specific type of talking therapy called 'Facing Your Fears' (FYF). This therapy is an adapted form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps people understand and change their thoughts and behaviours to manage anxiety. FYF has been developed to suit children with autism, but its effectiveness for those also living with an intellectual disability hasn’t been explored much.

The main goal of this particular study is to see if 'Facing Your Fears' is a practical and useful approach for young people aged 12-18 who have both autism and an intellectual disability, and who are experiencing anxiety. If it proves to be helpful and manageable, it could pave the way for this therapy to be offered more widely to this group of young people who currently have limited treatment options for their anxiety.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a talking therapy called 'Facing Your Fears' for anxiety.
It's for young people aged 12-18 with autism and intellectual disability.
Participation involves weekly parent-child sessions over 12 weeks.
The therapy aims to help manage anxiety symptoms.
It helps us understand better ways to support this specific group.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, young people need to be between 12 and 18 years old. They must have a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and also an intellectual disability.

They also need to be experiencing anxiety symptoms that are significant enough to be considered a clinical issue. They should not be currently involved in another similar research study.

It's important that any other treatments they are receiving, like medicines or other therapies, have been stable for a certain period before the study starts, and they shouldn't begin new anxiety treatments during the 12-week study period. Each child taking part will also need a consistent parent or guardian to participate with them throughout the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child between 12 and 18 years old?
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Does your child also have an intellectual disability?
Does your child experience significant anxiety?
Is your child not currently in another similar research study?
Can a parent or guardian commit to attending weekly sessions with your child?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve your child and one parent or guardian for a total of 12 weeks. During this time, you'll come to a study centre once a week. These weekly sessions will involve learning and practicing strategies to manage anxiety, with the last 30 minutes specifically for parent training.

Throughout the study, there will be assessments to see how things are progressing. This includes checks at the very beginning (screening), during each weekly visit, and again after the 12-week programme finishes. These assessments help the researchers understand if the therapy is making a difference. You will also be asked to do some exposure activities at home outside of the weekly sessions. The study aims to look at two separate groups of 5-6 parent-child pairs. Overall, the full study period, including preparation and data analysis, will run over several months covering two 12-week cycles.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, such as learning new strategies to cope with anxiety for your child and yourself. It also contributes to understanding how best to help young people with autism and intellectual disability who experience anxiety. As with any new therapy, there's always a chance it might not work for everyone, or it might feel challenging at times. It's important to remember you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's usual care.

Locations (1)

Children's Hospital- LHSC
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a type of talking therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, so they can learn better ways to cope with challenging situations like anxiety.

What is 'Facing Your Fears' (FYF)?

FYF is a specific programme based on CBT that has been specially designed to help children with autism manage their anxiety symptoms.

Why is this study important?

Many young people with autism and an intellectual disability experience anxiety, but there aren't many studies that have looked specifically at effective treatments for them. This study aims to find a practical and helpful way to support them.

Will my child have to take any new medication?

No, this study is about a talking therapy. Participants should not start new medications or anxiety treatments during the 12-week study period.

Who will be involved in the weekly sessions?

The weekly sessions will involve your child and one parent or guardian learning and practicing strategies together, with dedicated time for parent training.

How to find out more

Janys Lim, MD

janys.lim@lhsc.on.ca 5196858500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.