Recruiting

Testing Therapy Skills for Autistic Adults Who Struggle With Emotions

Plain-English translation of NCT07786883 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT)—a structured talking therapy originally developed to help people manage intense emotions and harmful behaviors—adapted specifically for autistic adults. Researchers want to see whether this therapy can help reduce unhelpful coping strategies (like self-harm) and improve emotional well-being in people with autism who experience difficulty regulating their emotions.

Many autistic adults struggle with intense emotions and may turn to harmful coping strategies like self-injury or emotional outbursts. While this treatment has helped other groups, it hasn't been well-studied in autistic people, so researchers want to understand whether it works for this community and how to adapt it to better fit autistic needs.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
you experience clear emotional or behavioral difficulties that are causing problems in your daily life, school, work, or relationships
you can understand and communicate well enough to participate in therapy
you are committed to attending therapy regularly and working toward shared goals with your therapist
your BMI is above 17

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder that is not stable
you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder
you have an untreated trauma-related disorder that would interfere with your ability to participate in therapy
you have a severe substance dependency that cannot be managed alongside this therapy
your behavior significantly disrupts group settings or creates safety concerns for others

What participation looks like

Over 10 months, you would attend DBT sessions with a therapist who has experience working with autistic adults. The therapy focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions and reduce harmful behaviors. You would also keep a daily diary tracking your urges to use unhelpful coping strategies and how you're feeling, so researchers can see how the therapy affects you over time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 28, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Netherlands

GGZ Friesland, Leeuwarden, Provincie Friesland