Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research Group
Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for anxiety symptoms in children with pervasive developmental disorder
Project Abstract
Parents and their child are being asked to take part in a research study of a treatment program for anxiety in children. Problems with anxiety are fairly common in children with developmental disabilities. This research project uses treatments for anxiety that have been shown to be successful in general pediatric practice. The treatments do not use medications, but instead use a type of psychotherapy.
They are being asked to be in this study because their child (1) has a diagnosis of either autism or Asperger syndrome; (2) has some symptoms of anxiety; (3) is between 7 and 15 years old, and (4) has a verbal IQ of 80 or greater. Up to 80 children from the Denver/Front Range area will be asked to participate in this study.
Participants are compensated for their time.
Major Goals
- To evaluate the efficiency of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) intervention in reducing anxiety symptoms in children with high-functioning autism.
- To develop parent-friendly written materials to provide ongoing reference materials for families of children with high-functioning autism.
Funding Source
This project is being funded by a pilot grant from the Organization for Autism Research. Additional funding is also being sought from the Cure Autism Now Foundation and pilot data will be utilized to apply for an R34 NIH grant .
Contact Person
Erin Flanigan
Erin.flanigan@uchsc.edu
(303) 315-1748 (phone)
(303) 315-2956 (fax)
4200 E. Ninth Ave. C268-30
Denver , CO 80262
Project Staff
Susan Hepburn, Ph.D., Principal Investigator; (Assessment)
Judy Reaven, Ph.D., Co- Investigator; (Treatment)
Shana Nichols, Ph.D., Clinician
Audry Blaekly-Smith, M.S., Clinician
Erin Flanigan, BA, Professional Research Assistant
