Can a talking therapy ease anxiety in autistic toddlers?

NCT ID NCT06221176

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study is testing a behavioral therapy called 'Being Brave' to help reduce anxiety in autistic children aged 3 to 6. The therapy involves 16 weekly sessions with parents and children, using visual aids and practice exercises. Researchers will also look at biological markers to see if they can predict which children improve. The goal is to better understand how to treat anxiety in this young group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Being Brave cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a personalized way to treat anxiety in young autistic children, using biomarkers to predict who will benefit most.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 25 participants and no control group. Results may not apply to all children, and the therapy may not reduce anxiety for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder autism autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital, Two Brookline Place

Brookline, Massachusetts, 02445, United States

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