New program aims to ease stress and anxiety in autistic college students

NCT ID NCT07682753

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests an 8-week program called MH-POWER designed to help autistic college students manage stress, anxiety, and depression. The program combines cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and habit formation through weekly group sessions and daily practice. Researchers will measure changes in mental health symptoms and quality of life to see if the approach is feasible and effective.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MH-POWER program (behavioral intervention combining CBT, ACT, and habit formation)
What this could lead to: If effective, this program could provide a scalable way to improve mental health and quality of life for autistic college students.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early feasibility study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The program requires daily practice, which may be hard for some to maintain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder Depression

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AUTISTIC COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS COLLEGE STUDENTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Occupational Therapy, ESWOT Building, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
RECRUITING

Edinburg, Texas, 78539, United States

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