Transdiagnostic Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Adolescents

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child is between the ages of 12-17 at consent/assent.

• The child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder using evidence-basedassessment 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 depressionsymptoms based on elevated scores on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale modified forAutism Spectrum Disorder (>11) and/or the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (>39).

• Anxiety/depressive disorder is the primary presenting problem as determined byadministration 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 requiringimmediate 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 dosageof psychotropic medication within 6 weeks of assessment (or 2 weeks forstimulants/benzodiazepines) or during therapy.