๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-04-07

Comparing Two Different Emotion Therapies for Autistic Youth and Young Adults (NCT06158581)

The Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) Program Versus the Unified Protocol (UP)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿง  Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Too few clinicians are able and willing to help autistic patients. A recent review identified challenges to mental health service delivery in autism, including a lack of interventions designed for community implementation and limited workforce capacity. It has been argued that improving impairment in emotion regulation has the potential to improve a range of mental health difficulties in autistic people. In this clinical trial, the investigators are comparing two evidence-based interventions for emotion regulation, to determine if one created specifically for autistic people is clinically superior. The interventions will be implemented in the community, through partnering agencies.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Alabama โ€” Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Age range: 10 Years to 30 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • The Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement Program (BEHAVIORAL)
  • The Unified Protocol (BEHAVIORAL)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • University of Alabama โ€” Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • University of Pittsburgh โ€” Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (866) 647-3436

Email: emotiontherapy@upmc.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—