Online therapy could ease anxiety in autistic teens
NCT ID NCT06537128
First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed to help autistic adolescents aged 11-17 manage anxiety. The program, called LUNA-Adolescent, is parent-led and delivered online, making it easier for families who cannot access in-person therapy. Researchers compare this approach to standard in-person CBT to see if it reduces anxiety symptoms and improves daily functioning.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this online therapy could make anxiety treatment more accessible for autistic teens and their families, especially those in rural areas.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively early-stage study with 139 participants, so results may not apply to all autistic teens. The therapy requires parent involvement, which may not suit every family.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 139 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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11 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. The child is between the age of 11-17 years old at enrollment. 2. The child is diagnosed with autism using a validated assessment (e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2), Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2), etc.). 3. The child has current, clinically significant anxiety and/or OCD as indicated by a clinician-administered standardized assessment (e.g. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) and Pediatric Rating Anxiety Scale modified for autism (PARS-ASD)). 4. Anxiety disorder is the child's primary/co-primary psychiatric diagnosis, and if secondary psychopathology is present, it will not interfere with treatment. 5. One parent/guardian over the age of 18 is able and willing to participate in assessment and treatment (e.g. has sufficient English/Spanish fluency, the decisional capacity to participate, and can commit to treatment duration). 6. The child is able to communicate verbally. 7. Participants are located in Texas. 8. The participant has an IQ above 69, based on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-Second Edition (KBIT-2), another valid test or clinician judgement (e.g., a previous assessment conducted, and report shared with study team) Exclusion Criteria: 1. The child has a diagnosis of a lifetime psychotic disorder and/or conduct disorder. 2. The child has significant, current suicidal/homicidal ideation and/or self-injury requiring medical intervention. 3. The child has limited verbal communication abilities (e.g., no independent verbal communication), 4. The child is receiving concurrent psychotherapy (including certain forms of social skills training, or behavioral interventions that target anxiety such as applied behavioral analysis). 5. The child has initiated new antidepressant medication within 12-weeks of assessment (4-weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines/antipsychotics) or during therapy. 6. The child has changed psychotropic medication dosage within 4-weeks of assessment (2-weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines/antipsychotics) or during therapy. 7. The child requires a higher level than can be provided through the study (e.g., significant, current suicidal ideation)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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