Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01631851

Enrollment

Registered

2012-06-29

Start date

2011-05-31

Completion date

2013-04-23

Last updated

2023-11-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Asperger's Disorder, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)

Keywords

Autism, Irritability, Disruptive Behavior, Aggression, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Brief summary

In addition to the core symptoms, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit disruptive behavior problems including irritability, tantrums, noncompliance, and aggression. This is a pilot study of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, also known as Anger Control Training, in adolescents with high-functioning ASD. CBT teaches children to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance. This form of CBT has been well-studied in typically developing children with disruptive behavior and we are investigating if this treatment can be feasible and helpful, with appropriate modifications, for irritability and disruptive behavior in ASD.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALCognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Irritability

CBT is an individually administered behavioral interventions aimed at reducing irritability and disruptive behavior. There are 10 to 12 weekly sessions that are conducted with the child and the parent. During these sessions children are taught to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance.

Study design

Allocation

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

9 Years to 16 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or PDD-NOS * presence of disruptive behaviors such as irritability and anger outbursts * IQ above 80 * Unmedicated or on stable medication

Exclusion criteria

* medical or psychiatric condition that would require alternative treatment

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
ABC Irritability Scale	1 week	Parent rating of irritability and disruptive behavior that has been often used in studies with children with ASD

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026