Transdiagnostic Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Adolescents

This study tests the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy for autistic youth with anxiety and/or depression.

Inclusion Criteria: * Child is between the ages of 12-17 at consent/assent. * The child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder using evidence-based assessment approaches (e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition; Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition). * The child meets criteria for clinically significant anxiety and/or depression symptoms based on elevated scores on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale modified for Autism Spectrum Disorder (\>11) and/or the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (\>39). * Anxiety/depressive disorder is the primary presenting problem as determined by administration of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview * One parent/guardian is able and willing to participate. * The parent/guardian is 18 years or older. * Both parent and child can read and/or understand English. * Both parent and child reside in Texas. Exclusion Criteria: * The child has a diagnosis of psychotic disorder and/or conduct disorder. * The child has severe suicidal/homicidal ideation and/or self-injury requiring immediate intervention and/or a higher level of care. * The child has limited verbal communication abilities. * The child is receiving concurrent psychotherapy for anxiety/depression. * The child has initiated psychotropic medications within 12 weeks of assessments (or 4 weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines) or during therapy, and/or has changed dosage of psychotropic medication within 6 weeks of assessment (or 2 weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines) or during therapy.