NCT07420478 TF-CBT for Autistic Youth Pilot Implementation - Open Pilot
| NCT ID | NCT07420478 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center |
| Condition | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 24 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-05-05 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 24 participants in total. It began in 2026-05-05 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Therapists 1. Employed as a clinician at a participating Community Mental Health Center (CMHC; publicly-funded mental health program) for at least 6 months. 2. Trained in TF-CBT. 3. Has an eligible autistic youth on current caseload (see below). Inclusion Criteria for Child Participants 1. Between 6 and 18 years old (up to 17 years, 11 months). 2. Current medical diagnosis of autism. 3. 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). 4. Initiated outpatient psychotherapy services from participating therapist within enrolled CMHC. 5. A moderate level of trauma-related distress as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 (CATS-2). Exclusion Criteria for Child Participants 1\. Does not present with trauma-related distress (score falls within the "Normal" range as measured by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen-2 Self- and Parent-Report).
Contact & Investigator
Kaitlyn Ahlers, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dartmouth Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07420478 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 6 Years or older, studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07420478 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07420478 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at kaitlyn.p.ahlers@hitchcock.org for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07420478 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Lebanon, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07420478 clinical trial?
NCT07420478 is sponsored by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The principal investigator is Kaitlyn Ahlers, PhD at Dartmouth Health. The trial plans to enroll 24 participants.