A replication and extension of the Cool Kids Autism Spectrum Disorder Anxiety Program: Randomised controlled trial reducing anxiety in autistic adolescents

• Published in: Research in autism spectrum disorders 2024-04, Vol.112, p.102335, Article 102335
• Main Authors: Kidd, Theresa M., Rooney, Rosanna M., Mazzucchelli, Trevor G., Tonta, Kate E., Peckover, Jacob D., Kane, Robert T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Anxiety; Autism spectrum disorder; Cognitive behavioural therapy
• ISSN: 1750-9467; 1878-0237
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102335

Autistic adolescents who experience anxiety face unique challenges. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety in Autistic children, yet there is less evidence for adaptations of these CBT group interventions for adolescent populations. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Cool Kids Autism Spectrum Disorder Anxiety program in reducing anxiety in Autistic adolescents. Forty-nine Autistic adolescents with clinically significant anxiety (ages 12–18; IQ > 70) were randomly assigned to the intervention condition or waitlist. There were reductions in anxiety severity for the intervention group compared to waitlist, in diagnostic status, clinical severity, and parent ratings. Post-treatment, 72% of participants in the intervention group showed remission of their primary anxiety disorder diagnosis compared to 31.6% of the waitlist. The Cool Kids ASD Anxiety Program may be effective for reducing clinical anxiety in Autistic adolescents, and future studies should replicate these findings with additional consideration of the role of parents in treatment outcomes. •This trial evaluated a group-based cognitive-behavioural therapy program compared to waitlist control.•After treatment, 72% of people no longer had anxiety disorders, compared to only 30% of people on the waitlist.•There were also improvements in other symptoms of mental ill-health, and these benefits persisted 6 months after treatment.