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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 17

Behavioral Activation for Depression in Autistic Teens with Below-Average IQ

Official title: Behavioral Activation for Treatment of Depression in Autistic Adolescents With Below Average Intelligence

Run by Stony Brook University · NCT07812870 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests a tailored behavioral activation approach to see if it helps reduce depressive symptoms in autistic adolescents who have below-average cognitive abilities.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
Enrollment18 (estimated)
SponsorStony Brook University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stony Brook, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 10, 2026
Main results expectedSeptember 2027
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07812870 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are autistic adolescents aged 12–17 with IQ 60–84, depressive symptoms, and stable medication for mood/behavior for at least 3 months, with a participating parent.

Probably not a fit

Patients without depressive symptoms, with IQ outside 60–84 range, or without stable medications may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial focuses on adolescents aged 12 to 17 with autism and depressive symptoms, and an IQ between 60 and 84. It adapts a behavioral activation program for youth with autism and cognitive limitations to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary treatment effects. Participants receive BA-A alongside stable mood-related medications, with a parent involved in all sessions and assessments. The study aims to determine whether this adapted therapy can be delivered in a typical clinical setting and whether it shows early signs of benefit compared with baseline. No results are provided yet for efficacy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reductions in depressive symptoms and better engagement in daily activities.

How similar studies have gone: Other behavioral activation approaches have shown promise, but this adaptation for autistic youth with lower cognitive abilities is exploratory and not yet proven.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria

* 12-17 years old
* Autism diagnosis
* Symptoms of depression (more specifically, Children's Depression Inventory, Second Edition parent-report and/or self-report T-score ⩾ 65)
* IQ 60-84
* Stable on medications for mood, anxiety, and/or behavior for 3 months
* Participation of same parent(s) in all therapy sessions and assessment visits Exclusion Criteria
* Participation in another psychotherapy during the study period
* Imminent risk of harm to self and/or others
* Bipolar disorder, a personality disorder, and/or schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder

Where it's running

  • Stony Brook University
    Stony Brook, New York, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.