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Home  >  Medical Research Archives  >  Issue 149  > Modified School-Based Facing Your Fears for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety: A Preliminary Quasi-Experimental and Qualitative Analysis
Published in the Medical Research Archives
Oct 2022 Issue

Modified School-Based Facing Your Fears for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety: A Preliminary Quasi-Experimental and Qualitative Analysis

Published on Oct 31, 2022

DOI 

Abstract

 

With a high prevalence of anxiety among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, researchers have identified implementing effective treatments in real-world settings as a priority. In the present study, multiple methods were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of educators delivering a modified school-based Facing Your Fears Cognitive Behavior Therapy program to treat anxiety among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants included 5 students, 6 educators and 7 parents. Settings were a public elementary school and private school. Multiple methods included a quasi-experimental group design, time series design, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Quantitative results indicated that with training and on-going feedback educators obtained a modest level of fidelity in implementing the intervention. Non-significant decreases in student anxiety symptoms across all informant ratings (students, parents and teachers) were observed. Social validity ratings across participants were high. Qualitative findings revealed the following themes: (a) outcomes; (b) program structure; (c) inclusion; and (d) factors critical for success. These preliminary results offer a model for researchers to collaborate with key stakeholders in adapting interventions for use in schools, bridging the gap between research and practice. They highlight educator’s ability to deliver empirically-supported treatments to address anxiety among students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Author info

Joseph Lucyshyn, Karen Kester

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