572 - Short-Term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth with Autism and Anxiety: A Pilot Study

Children with Autism often present with comorbid conditions such as Anxiety Disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective evidence-based approach to treating anxiety, but information on youth with autism and anxiety is more limited. The Coping Cat program is a 16-week manualized cognitive behavioral intervention designed for children who experience anxiety, but the use via telehealth in an urban ethnically diverse population is limited.

Objective:

1) To examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a short-term CBT group (Coping Cat) via telehealth for youth with Autism and Anxiety Disorders in an urban, ethnically diverse population, 2) To examine parent and child satisfaction with the intervention.

Design/Methods:

Pilot single arm study. Youth with previous diagnoses of Autism and Anxiety Disorders (based on multidisciplinary evaluations) who were on a wait list for outpatient psychotherapy at a multidisciplinary center, were invited to participate in a modified version of the Coping Cat 16-week program. Anxiety was assessed pre- and post-treatment, using the Screen for Child Related Anxiety Disorders (SCARED), parent report.  The group consisted of 16 weekly telehealth therapy sessions, in a group format, modified from the Coping Cat curriculum.  Two separate groups were run: one for children and one for adolescents.  Statistics included descriptive data, and paired t-test.

Results:

10 children were enrolled in the program, and 8 children completed it.  Mean age was 12±2.5 years (8 to 15 years), 90% were boys, 50% were Hispanic.  All group members were diagnosed with Autism and an Anxiety Disorder. Other co-morbidities included Language Disorder (100%), ADHD (40%), Learning Disabilities (20%).  Mean FSIQ was 93 (SD=19.18, range 71-124).  There was a significant reduction pre-post intervention in overall anxiety (SCARED total score 42 ± 18 to 32 ±14, p=.025) and panic disorder symptoms (9 ± 7 to 3.8 ± 3, p=.034).  Parents and children reported satisfaction with the group with 100% of parents reporting they would be very likely to recommend the group to others.  

Conclusion(s):

In this ethnically diverse group of children and adolescents with Autism and an Anxiety Disorder, 80% of families were compliant with a CBT program via telehealth. Parents reported a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both children and adolescents.  Parents and children reported satisfaction with the program.  A modified Coping Cat program via telehealth represents a feasible intervention for youth with Autism and Anxiety Disorders.