A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) Program for ASD
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to formally evaluate efficacy of the Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) program via a sufficiently powered, two-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). This is consistent with several FY17 ARP areas of interest, namely: (1) EASE is a behavioral, non-pharmacological therapy that (2) alleviates co-occurring conditions (EASE aims to decrease, depression, anxiety, and aggression by improving ER), and (3) promotes success during the transition to adulthood. The Specific Aims include: Aim 1 (Primary Outcome): Show that EASE improves ER; Aim 2 (Secondary Outcomes): Demonstrate that EASE results in decreased functional impairment and reduced psychiatric symptoms and problem behaviors; Aim 3 (Durability): Examine the trajectory of change including the degree to which effects are sustained after treatment completion; Aim 4 (Exploratory - Mediators): Evaluate whether changes in ER and mindfulness mediate improvements. Hypotheses: We hypothesized that EASE will improve ER, decrease psychiatric symptoms and problem behaviors, and reduce functional impairment, and that the effects will be sustained. Currently, we have completed Year 4 of this four year project near our projected recruitment targets, with 195 of 200 participants recruited, 128 participants screened, 113 enrolled, and 76 who have already completed the study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1191122
Entities
People
- Carla A Mazefsky
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh