We are interested in whether parents can learn to better manage their child’s anxiety by completing a brief, online, self-guided parent education program. We are comparing three different conditions: (1) a three-session program with videos and a workbook, (2) a single-session program with activities, and (3) treatment as usual. Each session across the programs is 30–40 minutes long, and parents can work on them on their own time. We will monitor your and your child’s progress after 1 and 4 and 8 months. After the 4-month evaluation, parents who were initially assigned to the treatment as usual group may be reassigned to one of the active programs. All parents, regardless of group, will provide information in an initial interview and surveys about their child, and will be provided with feedback about their child’s anxiety.

You may be able to participate if: (1) you are the parent of a 3-7 year old with who has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder; (2) your child has basic language skills; (3) you are able to complete interviews and questionnaires in English; (4) you have reliable access to a working computer, tablet, or cellphone; (5) you live in Massachusetts. You may not be able to participate if: (1) your child has certain kinds of serious developmental delays; (2) your child has received cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety or is taking medication for anxiety; (3) your child has clinical levels of depression or aggressive or oppositional behavior. You will not be paid for initial evaluation. However, you will receive $50 for each follow-up assessment you complete, for a total of $150-$200. All payment will be delivered in the form of electronic gift cards.

If you would like to get started right away, please click this link to fill out a short survey: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=C4RP4P7HCM3HREMD

Name of Organization:
Massachusetts General Hospital Child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program

For questions, please email::
[email protected]

Study Link: 
https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/parent_anxiety_autism_ed