Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare CBT VR exposure + VR social skills treatment to CBT Imaginal exposure + mindfulness, in reducing the severity of social anxiety in adults with autism and social anxiety (SA), to identify characteristics associated with benefitting from the CBT-VR treatment and to assess acceptability and feasibility of the VR intervention for patients receiving it and use findings to improve methods and to prepare for a community based pragmatic trial.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (diagnosed by a qualified professional)
• verbal and literate in English or Spanish
• average or greater intellectual ability, based on history and interview
• able to operate a computer (Windows or Mac).

Exclusion Criteria:

• current or historical severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
• intellectual disability or a learning disability that would interfere with participating (e.g., unable to read)
• unable use the technology or do not have access to the technology
• unable to read