Autism Clinical Trials in Sacramento, CA

The investigators propose to evaluate the use of a telemedicine tool, the TELE-ASD-PEDS (TAP), that is designed to assess for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in toddlers. The TAP was developed at VUMC by a team of clinical psychologists with expertise in the early identification of ASD. The TAP has been studied in controlled laboratory settings, with high levels of family and clinician satisfaction, as well as excellent agreement with blinded comprehensive ASD evaluation. The TAP has also been used to complete direct-to-home telemedicine assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the investigators have not yet compared direct-to-home assessments using the TAP with gold standard, in-person ASD assessments. It has also not yet been studied in a diverse sample of families or with providers outside of VUMC. This study will allow the investigators to address those gaps. Read Less

This study is a 4-year randomized, controlled trial comparing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to usual clinical care for children (aged 6-14 years) with autism and emotional dysregulation (e.g., irritability, anxiety). We will randomly assign 50 mental health clinicians, each treating 2 youth (N = 100 youth total), to CBT program for emotional dysregulation and core autism symptoms with weekly live consultation with an expert or to usual clinical care augmented by self-instruction in CBT, in a 1:1 allocation. The CBT manual is well-supported in our efficacy research, has been replicated in other centers, is free/open-access (meya.ucla.edu), and has user-friendly digital and traditional print materials for mental health clinicians (e.g., psychologists, counselors) to use in preparing for and conducting therapy sessions. The primary outcome measure will be assessed weekly. Additional assessments will occur at Screening, Mid-treatment, Post- treatment and 3-month Follow-up. Read Less

This study tests the effectiveness of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in community agencies that serve young autistic children. The feasibility, usability and acceptability of the model will be explored. Understanding effectiveness of new evidence-based models will increase the quality of autism care available to more diverse children and families in more geographic locations. Read Less