Adapting BA for Minimally Verbal Autistic Adults

Last updated: June 6, 2025
Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Asperger's Disorder

Autism

Williams Syndrome

Treatment

BeatIt-MV

Clinical Study ID

NCT06064422
Pro 2021001254
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The present study aims to adapt and evaluate the feasibility of the BeatIt-2 behavioral activation intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and low mood to be implemented with minimally verbal autistic individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Minimally verbal

  • Aged 18 years or older

  • Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and clinically significant depression based onclinical best estimate diagnosis using DSM-5 or Diagnostic Manual - IntellectualDisability criteria

  • Have a support person willing to participate

  • Live in New Jersey or New York, or be within travel distance to Rutgers University

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Not able to engage in treatment in English

  • current engagement in other treatment for depression

  • conditions that may preclude engagement in treatment sessions (e.g., activepsychosis, unmanaged seizures)

  • high suicide risk (i.e., with a clear plan, expressed intent or recent documentedattempts)

Study Design

Total Participants: 15
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: BeatIt-MV
Phase:
Study Start date:
November 01, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
August 30, 2025

Study Description

Aim 1. The first phase of the project will focus on adapting the BeatIt-2 manual to consider specific needs of MV autistic adults. This procedure includes an intervention development group (IDG), for which MV autistic adults and their supporters (i.e., someone identified as a source of support they can work with) will be recruited. Aim 2. During the following phase of the project, a feasibility trial will be conducted. Using the treatment manual and study procedures adapted and refined in phase 1, the trial will examine the feasibility and acceptability of BeatIt-MV.

Connect with a study center

  • Rutgers University - New Brunswick

    Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
    United States

    Site Not Available

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