About the Research Study | TEACCH® Autism Program

Autistic adults are at a greater risk for mental health problems compared to the general population, with 50% meeting criteria for a co-occurring psychiatric condition. Depression and anxiety are the most common of these conditions among autistic adults, contributing to long-term detrimental effects on health, day-to-day functioning, and quality of life.

Research Study Goal: Autistic Adults and Other Stakeholders Engage Together – Mental Health Therapy Programs (AASET-MHTP) Research Study is the first large-scale, head-to-head comparison of the two most widely studied mental health interventions for autistic adults: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT). This research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT versus MBT (both delivered by telehealth) to improve mental health and quality of life among autistic adults with anxiety or depression. This work is supported through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options Program Award (IDD-2022C1-26372).

Research Study Questions:

Which approach results in better outcomes for autistic adults?
What individual characteristics impact outcomes?
Which intervention is more acceptable and feasible?

Recruitment Update from Jan 1, 2024 - July 2, 2025

252 Screened
200 Enrolled (67% of goal)
158 Completed baseline research visit assessment
138 Started therapy
70 Completed post-therapy research visit
35 Completed 6-month research visit