Autism Mental and Behavioural Disorders Autism
Conditions
Interventions
Anxiety is common in people on the autism spectrum, and leads to everyday difficulties affecting quality of life. This study will investigate the feasibility of providing a personalised anxiety treatm
CCS). We will measure whether the treatment is acceptable to autistic adults (and where relevant, their relatives). We will investigate effectiveness by comparing the impact of anxiety on the individu
Sponsors
Northumberland, Tyne And Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Current inclusion criteria as of 03/10/2019: 1. Adults aged 18+ who are able to provide informed consent 2. With a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder 3. Experiencing clinically significant anxiety 4. Living in the area serviced by the sponsoring NHS Foundation Trust Previous inclusion criteria: 1. Adults aged 18+ with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder 2. Relatives of adults with ASD; where both relatives and adults are over the ages of 18 3. Relatives of children with ASD; where the relative is over the age of 18 and the child is under the age of 18 4. Health professionals with experience of working clinically with adults with ASD
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Co-morbid physical or mental health condition that would significantly inhibit their ability to engage in the interventions delivered as part of the trial 2. Do not have the capacity to provide informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| WP4 is a pilot and feasibility trial of the treatment package developed by the research team, where the main hypothesised outcome is a reduction of anxiety in the autistic adults who participate. We do not have a primary outcome as this is a pilot/feasibility trial. However, based upon our current research, the outcome we anticipate being most useful and acceptable is the Target Behaviours scale (a description of the participant’s behaviour in relation to a specific real-life anxiety-related goal). This research will evaluate whether that is correct or whether a questionnaire might be more appropriate. In addition, acceptability of trial procedures and treatment received will be measured using a bespoke semi-structured interview administered 3 months post-intervention. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Adaptive functioning is measured by the Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale – Adaptive (W-ADL) at baseline 2. Ability to recognise and describe emotions is measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) at baseline. 3. Quality of life is measured by the World Health Organisation Qualify of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale plus the disabilities module and ASD addendum at baseline. 4. Health-related quality of life is measured by the EQ-5D at baseline. 5. Anxiety disorders and other related diagnoses are measured by the Anxiety and Other Related Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS-5) at baseline. 6. Anxiety is measured by the Anxiety Scale – Autism (ASA) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, immediately post-intervention and three months post-intervention. | — |
Countries
England, United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed