Transdiagnostic Group Therapy (GBAT) for Autistic Adults With Personalized Therapeutics

Phase I is the development phase, which is informed by the study team's previous pilot study and autistic advisors. It will include the development of engagement booster materials. Booster materials will be tested in 2 groups (GBAT+I and GBAT+E) of six participants each. Groups include GBAT+Individual (GBAT+I; individual sessions to supplement the 10 group sessions) and GBAT+Engagement Booster (GBAT+E; supplemental materials). The first 4-6 eligible adults recruited will participate in GBAT+I and the second 6 eligible adults recruited will participate in GBAT+E. Both groups will consist of 10 weekly 60-90-minute GBAT group sessions. Participants in the GBAT+I group will also attend 30-minute individual booster sessions, approximately between Weeks 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8. Participants in the GBAT+E group will be asked to use booster materials in between group sessions (e.g., worksheets, goal trackers, interactive learning activities).

"Phase 2a will include a watchful waiting (WW) condition and assignment to 1 of 2 treatment conditions: GBAT+I or GBAT+E.~Participants will be assigned to WW for 10 wks. They will not receive specific therapeutic services during WW, but a member of the study team will contact them at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 to maintain engagement and monitor for clinical deterioration.~After WW, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the treatment conditions (GBAT+I or GBAT+E). All groups will consist of 10 weekly 60-90-minute GBAT group sessions. GBAT+I participants will attend four 30-minute individual booster sessions. GBAT+E participants will be asked to use booster materials between group sessions (e.g., worksheets, goal trackers, interactive learning activities)~WW group size is based on study feasibility and availability of resources. Additional participants will also be recruited at the end of the WW period to supplement group sizes."

"Phase 2b will include assignment to GBAT+IE, which includes components of both GBAT+I (individual sessions) and GBAT+E (supplemental materials)~All groups will consist of 10 weekly 60-90-minute GBAT group sessions. Participants in the GBAT+I group will also attend 30-minute individual booster sessions, approximately between Weeks 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8. Participants in the GBAT+E group will be asked to use booster materials in between group sessions (e.g., worksheets, goal trackers, interactive learning activities). Participants in GBAT+IE will participate in both the individual sessions and use of booster materials."