Development and Pilot Testing of Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive...

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in autistic adolescents, yet barriers to treatment access exist. The current article describes (a) the development of an internet-delivered, therapist-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy protocol adapted for autistic adolescents with co-occurring anxiety and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder and (b) preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness data. Ten autistic adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 were enrolled. Based on qualitative feedback and quantitative data (i.e., program usage, completion, and satisfaction), the intervention demonstrated strong acceptability and feasibility. Among the eight participants who completed treatment, there were statistically significant reductions in clinician- and parent-rated anxiety symptoms, but not child-rated anxiety symptoms. Posttreatment response and remission rates were 37.5% and 25%, respectively. Further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.