Feasibility Of Delivering Facing Your Fears Via Telehealth For Autistic Adolescents During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Authors

• Morgan R. Haga, University of Minnesota Medical School
• Chimei M. Lee, University of Minnesota Medical School
• Catherine A. Burrows, University of Minnesota Medical School
• Rebekah L. Hudock, University of Minnesota Medical School

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

School

Psychology

Abstract

Objectives: Autistic individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than the general population. Autism and anxiety are often exacerbated by each other, leading to difficulties in treatment. Some telehealth adaptations of cognitive behavioral interventions have been effective and feasible in reducing anxiety in autistic individuals, but the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need for further research in this area. Therefore, the focus of the study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the virtual administration of Facing Your Fears (FYF) for autistic adolescents with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A clinical sample of 22 adolescents with autism and anxiety (Mage = 14.33) and their families participated in the 14-week intervention. Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at weekly sessions to assess feasibility (i.e., participant acceptability, adherence, and utility) and clinical outcomes (i.e., anxiety, socioemotional, and behavioral symptoms). Results: The virtual adaptation of FYF was considered feasible through rates of satisfaction (87%), engagement (83%), and usefulness (80%), but struggled with participant retention. Preliminary analyses demonstrate parent-reported decreases in anxiety across the intervention, with 73.5% of participants indicating reduced anxiety toward their targeted fears. Standardized measures show a potential for socioemotional and behavioral improvements. Conclusions: Despite limitations, findings suggest that the telehealth adaptation of FYF was an important resource during the COVID-19 pandemic for adolescents with autism and anxiety. Future research should incorporate participant feedback to improve the feasibility of virtual interventions.

Publication Title

Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Recommended Citation

Haga, M., Lee, C., Burrows, C., Hudock, R. (2026). Feasibility Of Delivering Facing Your Fears Via Telehealth For Autistic Adolescents During The Covid-19 Pandemic. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/21981